methylpentynol

Methylpentynol is a tertiary acetylenic alcohol that was widely utilized in the mid-20th century as a sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic agent. Introduced in the early 1950s and marketed under trade names such as Oblivon and Dormison, it was primarily indicated for the short-term management of insomnia and the relief of anxiety and tension. Its pharmacological profile is characterized by central nervous system depression; research indicates it acts by inhibiting the presynaptic release of acetylcholine at both the neuromuscular junction and ganglionic synapses, and it likely modulates GABAergic neurotransmission similarly to other sedative alcohols. While it was investigated for diverse applications, including pediatric premedication and the treatment of stuttering, it proved ineffective in treating essential tremor. Methylpentynol has largely been phased out of clinical use in favor of more potent and safer alternatives, such as benzodiazepines.

Brand names

OblivonDormisonDalgolSubcorticalumPentynAtempolRiposon

Other names

3-methylpent-1-yn-3-olMeparfynolMethylparafynol3-methyl-1-pentyn-3-ol