BARBITURATE HYPNOTICS Meaning and
Definition
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Barbiturate hypnotics are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, primarily used for their sedative and sleep-inducing properties. The term "barbiturate" refers to a group of synthetic compounds derived from barbituric acid, which exhibit various hypnotic effects when administered.
These medications work by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down the activity of neurons, resulting in sedation and relaxation. Barbiturates bind to GABA receptors, which increases the inhibitory effects of GABA and suppresses brain activity.
Barbiturate hypnotics are typically prescribed to treat various sleep disorders, such as insomnia, as they help induce and maintain sleep. Some commonly prescribed barbiturate hypnotics include phenobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital, and amobarbital. However, due to their potential for abuse and severe side effects, these drugs are generally used sparingly and have been largely replaced by safer alternatives, such as benzodiazepines and newer non-benzodiazepine sleep medications.
Side effects of barbiturate hypnotics can include drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory depression, impaired coordination, confusion, and even overdose leading to coma or death. Long-term use of these drugs can also lead to dependence and addiction. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to follow their prescribed dosage strictly and avoid abrupt discontinuation without medical guidance.
Overall, barbiturate hypnotics are a class of CNS depressants that can effectively induce sleep but carry significant risks and have largely been replaced by safer alternatives in modern medical practice.
Common Misspellings for BARBITURATE HYPNOTICS
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Etymology of BARBITURATE HYPNOTICS
The word "barbiturate" originates from the chemical compound called "barbituric acid". Barbituric acid was first synthesized in 1864 by German chemist Adolf von Baeyer, who named it after his student, the Russian chemist Alexander von Barbituric. The word "hypnotics" is derived from the Greek word "hypnos", meaning sleep. Thus, the term "barbiturate hypnotics" refers to a class of drugs that induce sleep or a sleep-like state through the use of barbituric acid derivatives.
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