butobarbitone

Butobarbitone is a **small molecule barbiturate sedative-hypnotic** developed by Poulenc Brothers and later associated with Sanofi through corporate succession. It is an intermediate-acting barbiturate used primarily for the treatment of **severe insomnia**, particularly when other therapies have failed. Pharmacologically, butobarbitone enhances inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system through positive allosteric modulation of the **GABA-A receptor** complex, producing sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant-class barbiturate effects. Like other barbiturates, its clinical utility is limited by risks of **tolerance, dependence, overdose, and addiction**, and it has largely been supplanted by safer hypnotic agents in many markets.

Brand names

SonerylNeonal

Other names

butobarbitalbutethal