Dangerous Drug: Secobarbital Sodium



Dangerous Drug: Secobarbital Sodium





(see koe bar’ bi tal)

Seconal Sodium

PREGNANCY CATEGORY D

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE C-II


Drug Classes

Antiepileptic

Barbiturate (short-acting)

Sedative-hypnotic


Therapeutic Actions

General CNS depressant; barbiturates inhibit impulse conduction in the ascending RAS, depress the cerebral cortex, alter cerebellar function, depress motor output, and can produce excitation (especially with subanesthetic doses with pain), sedation, hypnosis, anesthesia, and deep coma; at anesthetic doses, has antiepileptic activity.


Indications



  • Intermittent use as a sedative, hypnotic, or preanesthetic medication



Available Forms

Capsules—100 mg


Dosages

Adults

Adjust dosage on basis of age, weight, condition.



  • Preoperative sedation: 200–300 mg PO 1–2 hr before surgery.


  • Bedtime hypnotic: 100 mg PO at bedtime; do not use longer than 2 wk.

Pediatric patients

Warning Barbiturates may produce irritability, excitability, inappropriate tearfulness, and aggression.

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Jul 21, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Dangerous Drug: Secobarbital Sodium

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access