ethchlorvynol

Ethchlorvynol is a sedative and hypnotic drug first developed by Pfizer in the 1950s for the short-term management of insomnia. It acts as a central nervous system depressant and was primarily used to induce sleep in patients with insomnia who could not tolerate other medications. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood but is believed to involve positive allosteric modulation of the GABA(A) receptor, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain similar to barbiturates. This results in sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant effects. Due to its potential for dependence and addiction—as well as safety concerns compared to newer agents—ethchlorvynol has been largely discontinued or replaced by safer alternatives in most countries[2][5][6][8].

Brand names

Placidyl

Other names

AlvinolEthchlorovynolArvynolEthchlorvinol