Products
Secobarbital is commercially available in the United States in capsule form (Seconal). In many countries, drugs containing secobarbital are currently no longer available.
Structure and properties
Secobarbital is present in the drug in the form of the sodium salt secobarbital sodium, a white, odorless, bitter powder that is very soluble in water. Secobarbital is also known as quinalbarbitone.
Effects
Secobarbital (ATC N05CA06) has sedative, hypnotic, anesthetic, and anticonvulsant properties. The effects are due to interaction with GABA-A receptors and central nervous system depression. The effect occurs after about 15 minutes and lasts up to four hours.
Indications
Secobarbital is used for short-term treatment of sleep disorders and in anesthesia. It has also been used as a sedative.
Euthanasia
In the United States, secobarbital is used for assisted suicide. An overdose in the range of about 10 g causes central depression, respiratory depression, a drop in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, hypothermia, and eventual death.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. As a sleep aid, capsules are taken before bedtime. Off-label use:
- For physician-assisted euthanasia.
Abuse
Secobarbital can be abused as a depressant narcotic.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Central disorders
- Hypoventilation, shortness of breath
- Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, syncope.
- Indigestion
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Secobarbital is addictive and causes symptoms of inflammation if abruptly discontinued.
