Hexobarbital
Hexobarbital
Hexobarbital (pronounced: hex-oh-bar-bi-tal) is a barbiturate derivative drug that possesses anesthetic, anticonvulsant, sedative, and hypnotic properties. It was formerly used in human and veterinary medicine, but its use has largely been replaced by newer drugs with improved safety profiles.
Etymology
The term "Hexobarbital" is derived from the Greek word "hex" meaning six, and "barbiturate", a class of drugs that act on the GABA receptors in the brain to produce a range of effects from mild sedation to total anesthesia.
Pharmacology
Hexobarbital works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which results in a decrease in brain activity. This decrease in activity is what produces the drug's sedative and hypnotic effects. Hexobarbital is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
Related Terms
- Barbiturate: A class of drugs that act on the GABA receptors in the brain to produce a range of effects from mild sedation to total anesthesia.
- GABA: A neurotransmitter in the brain that inhibits the activity of neurons, reducing their ability to send signals.
- Anesthetic: A drug that causes a loss of sensation, typically used to prevent pain during medical procedures.
- Anticonvulsant: A drug used to prevent or reduce the severity of seizures in various types of epilepsy.
- Sedative: A drug used to reduce excitement or irritability.
- Hypnotic: A drug used to induce sleep.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hexobarbital
- Wikipedia's article - Hexobarbital
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