Synonyms: Seconal®
secobarbital is an approved drug (FDA (1950))
Compound class:
Synthetic organic
Comment: The approved drug is a racemic mixture of enantiomers; R-secobarbital and S-secobarbital. We show the non-stereo structure to represent the mixture.
![]() View more information in the IUPHAR Pharmacology Education Project: secobarbital |
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No information available. |
Summary of Clinical Use ![]() |
Secobarbital is used short-term to treat insomnia, as a pre-operative sedative, or as an anaesthetic for short surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures. |
Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects ![]() |
Secobarbital is a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA channels, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA in the CNS. The drug binds to a barbituate allosteric site [1], which is distinct from the benzodiazepine allosteric site, and from the GABA binding site. Barbiturate modulation prolongs the duration of bursts of chloride channel opening [1] and this is responsible for the anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, amnesic, sedative, hypnotic, euphoriant, and muscle relaxant properties of the drug. |
External links ![]() |
For extended ADME data see the following: Drugs.com |