Drug Comparisons

Barbiturates are a class of drugs sometimes used to treat sleep disorders. Drugs in this class produce drowsiness and prolong sleep duration by slowing the body's central nervous system functioning. Barbiturates can also cause mild sedation and a hypnotic state. At higher doses, these drugs are even used as anesthetics, medications that decrease the sensation of pain or touch. . Barbiturates can be habit-forming and should be carefully prescribed and monitored by a physician. When used for treating sleep disorders, barbiturates should be used only short-term, usually a period of no more than 2 weeks, since patients tend to develop tolerance to their effects.

Drugs in this Class
Butabarbital Tablets (Butisol)
Amobarbital Injection (Amytal Injection)
Secobarbital (Seconal)
Phenobarbital (Solfoton)
Butabarbital Oral Solution (Butisol Solution)

Summarizing the Evidence

• Barbiturates have been around for many years and can be used for the short-term (less than or equal to 2 weeks) treatment of insomnia. Numerous scientific trials have shown each of the barbiturates to be effective in treating insomnia. However, barbiturates have fallen out of favor for use in sleep disorders since the advent of newer sleep-inducing medications that have fewer side effects.

• Barbiturates can be associated with physical and mental addiction if not used appropriately and should only be used under the advice and direction of a physician.

• Although large head-to head studies comparing the barbiturates for sleep disorders are lacking, the drugs in this class are thought to be comparable to each other in terms of effectiveness and side effects. The choice of which barbiturate to use will typically depend on your doctor's preference and on your prescription benefits formulary.

Dosing and Administration

• All of the barbiturates are available in oral dosage forms (as tablets, capsules, or elixirs) except for amobarbital and pentobarbital, which are only available in injectable form. To treat insomnia, all barbiturates are taken immediately before retiring for sleep.

Generic Availability

• Phenobarbital is available generically as an elixir, tablet, or injection. However, capsules are not available generically. Pentobarbital is available generically as an injection. Butabarbital is available generically as a tablet and an elixir. The other barbiturates are not available generically at this time.

Drug Interactions

Some interactions between medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how the drugs interact and the severity of the interaction, please use our Drug Interactions Checker.

Side Effects

To view specific side effect information, please use our Side Effect Checker.

Additional Information

References

1. McEvoy GE, ed. American Hospital Formulary Service drug information 2002. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2002:2997-3018.

2. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Updated Monthly. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, A Wolters Kluwer Company. November 2000:287-290.

3. Drugdex Database. In: Gelman CJ, Rumack BH, editors. Denver: Micromedex Inc. 2002.

4. Jermain DM. Sleep Disorders. In: Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. 4th ed. Dipiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, et al., eds. Stamford, CN: Appleton & Lange. 1999:1208-1218.

5. Clinical Pharmacology. Copyright 2007 Gold Standard Inc.

6. Facts and Comparisons. Copyright 2007. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Last Updated: December 2007
This content was created by members of the DrugDigest team of experts and is solely under DrugDigest's editorial control.

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any medication.