hexobarbital

Hexobarbital is a barbiturate derivative with hypnotic and sedative effects. It was primarily used in the 1940s and 1950s as an anesthetic for surgery and as a rapid-acting, short-lasting hypnotic. Hexobarbital has a relatively fast onset of action and short duration of effect. Its use in human medicine has largely been replaced by safer alternatives such as thiopental due to difficulties in controlling anesthesia depth. The mechanism of action involves binding to a distinct site on the GABA-A receptor chloride ionophore complex, increasing the duration that the chloride channel remains open. This potentiates GABAergic inhibition in the central nervous system by prolonging post-synaptic inhibitory effects[1][3][7].

Brand names

CitopanEvipanTobinal

Other names

hexobarbitonemethylhexabitalmethexenyl