secobarbital

Secobarbital is a short-acting barbiturate used primarily for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a sedative before surgery. It was originally developed and patented by Eli Lilly and Company in 1934. Secobarbital acts as a central nervous system depressant with anesthetic, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic properties. Its mechanism of action involves binding to a distinct site on the GABA(A) receptor chloride ion channel complex in the brain, increasing the duration that the chloride channel remains open when activated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This enhances GABA's inhibitory effect on neuronal firing in the thalamus and other brain regions[1][2][3][4]. Secobarbital has largely been replaced by benzodiazepines due to its high risk of abuse and dependence[4][5].

Brand names

SeconalSeconal Sodiumquinalbarbitone

Other names

red devilsreds