barbiturate

views updated May 29 2018

barbiturate (bar-bit-yoor-ăt) n. any of a group of drugs, derived from barbituric acid, that depress activity of the central nervous system. Because barbiturates produce psychological and physical dependence and have serious toxic side-effects (see barbiturism), their use has declined. See amobarbital, butobarbital, phenobarbital, thiopental.

barbiturate

views updated May 14 2018

bar·bi·tu·rate / bärˈbichərit; -əˌrāt/ • n. any of a class of sedative and sleep-inducing drugs derived from barbituric acid. ∎ Chem. a salt or ester of barbituric acid.

barbiturate

views updated May 11 2018

barbiturate Any one of a group of drugs derived from barbituric acid, which have a depressant effect on the central nervous system. Barbiturates were originally used as sedatives and sleeping pills but their clinical use is now limited due to their toxic side-effects; prolonged use can lead to addiction. Specific barbiturates in clinical use include butobarbital, used to treat insomnia, and thiopental, used as an anaesthetic.

barbiturate

views updated May 21 2018

barbiturate Drug used as a sedative or to induce sleep. Highly addictive and dangerous in high doses, or in combination with other drugs such as alcohol or tranquillizers, most barbiturates are no longer prescribed. Short-acting barbiturates are used in surgery to induce general anaesthesia; long-acting formulations are prescribed for epilepsy.

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barbiturate

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