Secobarbital
From Freepedia
Secobarbital | |
|
5-pentan-2-yl-5-prop-2-enyl-1,3-diazinane-2,4,6-trione | |
| CAS number 76-73-3 | ATC code N05CA06 |
| Empiric formula | C12H18N2O3 |
| Molecular weight | 238.29 g/mole |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | Liver |
| Elimination half life | ? |
| Excretion | Urine |
| Pregnancy category | D (USA) |
Secobarbital sodium | |
|
sodium 5-(1-methylbutyl)-4,6-dioxo-5-prop-2-enyl-1H-pyrimidin-2-olate | |
| CAS number 309-43-3 | ATC code N05CA06 |
| Empiric formula | C12H18N2NaO3 |
| Molecular weight | 260.265 |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | Liver |
| Elimination half life | ? |
| Excretion | Urine |
| Pregnancy category | D (USA) |
Secobarbital is a Barbiturate and is available as either a free acid or a sodium salt. The free acid is a white amorphous powder that slightly soluble in water and very soluble in ethanol. The salt is a white hygroscopic powder that is soluble in water and ethanol. The main brand name is Seconal.
Its main legitimate medical uses are for seizures, tension relief (as before surgery), and as a temporary sleep aid. Secobarbital is fairly addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can occur when a continual use is abruptly ended.
As a prescription medication, it became a drug of abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. Seconal acquired the nickname "reds" from its users, as it was packaged in red capsules. Another nickname was "dolls", and this was partly responsible for the title of Jacqueline Susann's novel Valley of the Dolls, whose main characters use (and abuse) Seconal and other such drugs.
Secobarbital overdose was the most common method of implementing physician assisted suicide in Oregon until Eli Lilly and Company discontinued manufacturing it in May 2001, leading to a shortage of the drug. Since then, pentobarbital has dominated in Oregon PAS. Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited have experienced approval issues in their attempts to produce secobarbital, but the shortage is expected to end in January 2006.
Side Effects
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- a fever or a sore throat;
- sores in your mouth;
- broken blood vessels under your skin; or
- easy bruising or bleeding;
- drowsiness or dizziness;
- confusion;
- agitation, irritability, or excitability;
- nightmares, nervousness, or anxiety;
- headaches
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