phenobarbitol brands

Molecular formula: C12H12N2O3

Phenobarbital acts on GABAA receptors, increasing synaptic inhibition. This has the effect of elevating seizure threshold and reducing the spread of seizure activity from a seizure focus. Phenobarbital may also inhibit calcium channels, resulting in a decrease in excitatory transmitter release. The sedative-hypnotic effects of phenobarbital are likely the result of its effect on the polysynaptic midbrain reticular formation, which controls CNS arousal. /Phenobarbital/ produces anticonvulsant effects in subhypnotic doses. The drug lowers serum bilirubin concentrations in neonates and patients with congenital nonhemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and patients with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis, presumably by induction of glucuronyl transferase, the enzyme which conjugates bilirubin. The exact mechanism(s) by which barbiturates exert their effect on the CNS, has not been fully elucidated. However, it is believed that such effects are related, at least partially, to the drugs' ability to enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, by altering inhibitory synaptic transmissions that are mediated by GABAA receptors. /Barbiturates General Statement/ Although the drugs act throughout the CNS, a site of particular sensitivity is the polysynaptic midbrain reticular formation which is concerned with the arousal mechanism. Barbiturates induce an imbalance in central inhibitory and facilitatory mechanisms influencing the cerebral cortex and the reticular formation. The significance of the effect of barbiturates on neurotransmitters is unclear. It appears that the drugs decrease the excitability of both presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes. It has not been determined which of the various actions of barbiturates at cellular and synaptic levels are responsible for their sedative and hypnotic effects. /Barbiturates General Statement/ Relatively low doses of the barbiturates depress the sensory cortex, decrease motor activity, and produce sedation and drowsiness. In some patients, however, drowsiness may be preceded by a period of transient elation, confusion, euphoria, or excitement, especially after subhypnotic doses of aprobarbital, pentobarbital, or secobarbital. /Barbiturates General Statement/ For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for Phenobarbital (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · compound 4763