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Barbiturates are the generally accepted name for barbituric acid derivatives. These drugs have hypnotic properties, and some of them have anticonvulsant properties, hence they are sometimes used in the treatment of epilepsy. Since barbiturates are addictive, especially when taken for a long time, they are increasingly being withdrawn in favor of safer benzodiazepines. When taking barbiturates, you should absolutely give up drinking alcohol, because these drugs greatly enhance its effect. Barbiturates are divided into short-acting and ultra-short-acting drugs, medium-acting and long-acting drugs. They are often the cause of conscious and unconscious poisoning. Tolerance to the drug increases quite quickly, which results in increasing its doses. After taking higher doses for a longer time, full dependence on the preparations may occur.
Barbiturany they work by affecting the GABA receptor complex. By binding to the receptor, they activate the chlorine channel, leading to hyperpolarization of the neuron. They affect the neurons of the reticular and cortex, which has a calming effect. They shorten the REM sleep phase. Some, such as Phenobarbital, are anticonvulsant.
Groups of barbiturates
Short and ultrashort barbiturates duration of action are usually administered parenterally. These include: Hexobarbital (used in anesthesia for basic and short-term anesthesia, can significantly lower blood pressure), Metohexital (used for short-term general anesthesia), Tiamylal and Thiopental (derivatives of thiobarbituric acid).
Barbiturany with an average duration of actionusually used orally as hypnotics and sedatives, e.g. Allobarbital, Amylobarbital, Cyclobarbital, Pentobarbital.
Long-acting barbiturates used to help you sleep and sedate, and to treat epilepsy: Phenobarbital (used in partial and generalized seizures, administered orally or intravenously), Barbital, Methylphenobarbital, Metabarbital.
Action
Barbiturany administered in small doses, they cause: sedation, euphoric states, a feeling of relaxation; in high doses they may cause a feeling of agitation changing into drowsiness, disturbance of consciousness, anxiety, increase in the state of euphoria, dizziness, loss of motor coordination, problems with memory may occur. After several months of using medications, psychological and physical dependence may develop. It is very difficult to stop taking medication completely, it is associated with the occurrence of withdrawal syndrome (anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, convulsions, confusion, abdominal pain, excessive sweating, circulatory disorders).
Drug interactions
Like all medications, too barbiturany can cause interactions with the medications you take, sometimes with dangerous consequences:
- increase in the effect of painkillers (non-steroidal painkillers),
- weakening of the effect of hypoglycemic drugs,
- weakening of the effect of anticoagulants,
- weakening of the effect of contraceptives.
They can affect the absorption of calcium from foods and medications, reducing it, resulting in a worsening of bone calcification. As a result of sudden withdrawal barbiturates, the effect of anticoagulants (coumarin derivatives) may be enhanced. Alcohol increases the effect barbiturates to a large extent, which can lead to collapse and even death.