paraldehyde

Paraldehyde is a small molecule central nervous system depressant and anticonvulsant that has historically been used to treat certain convulsive disorders such as status epilepticus and tetanus. It has also been used as a sedative, hypnotic, and in the management of alcoholism and agitation in psychiatric conditions. Paraldehyde acts by depressing neuronal activity in the brain; its mechanism is believed to involve enhancement of GABAergic activity (increasing inhibitory effects on neuronal excitability) and reduction of acetylcholine release during neuronal depolarization, though the precise mechanism remains unclear. Its use has largely been replaced by safer alternatives but it may still be employed for refractory seizures when other treatments fail[1][2][3][6][7].

Brand names

Paral

Other names

1,3,5-trioxane derivative