Barbiturates
Definition
Barbiturates are a large class of drugs, consisting of many different brand name products with generic equivalents, that are used primarily for mild sedation, general anesthesia, and as a treatment for some types of epilepsy. One barbiturate, butalbital, exists only as a component of several headache preparations. The most common members of the barbiturate family are phenobarbital (Luminal)), pentobarbital (Nembutal), amobarbital (Amytal), secobarbital (Seconal), thiopental (Pentothal), methohexital (Brevital), and butalbital (component of Fiorinal and Fioricet). They exist in numerous formulations and strengths.
Purpose
Barbiturates are used to sedate patients prior to surgery as well as to produce general anesthesia, to treat some forms of epilepsy, and to treat simple and...
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