Amobarbital
Amobarbital is a barbiturate-class medication primarily used as a sedative-hypnotic agent. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA in the central nervous system, producing calmness, drowsiness, and sleep. Historically prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and pre-operative sedation, its use has declined significantly due to the availability of safer alternatives.
Amobarbital is a barbiturate sedative-hypnotic used for anxiety and sleep disorders, though its use is now limited due to safety concerns.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05CA02
- RxNorm
- 719
- Generic
- Amobarbital
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Amytal
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 100mg at bedtime
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not recommended for pediatric use
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 50mg at bedtime
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid
avoid use in second and third trimester
fetal monitoring and growth assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
amobarbital passes into breast milk; breastfeeding should be avoided
monitor infant for sedation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose
use lower doses; increased sensitivity to CNS effects
monitor for confusion, sedation, falls
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenavoid
not recommended in pediatric patients; risk of paradoxical excitement
close monitoring if use is unavoidable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate severereduce dose
use with caution; may require dose reduction
monitor renal function and drug accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severeavoid or significantly reduce
avoid in severe hepatic impairment; metabolized in liver
monitor liver function and drug levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information for barbiturate class
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Therapeutic applications (largely discontinued in modern practice)
Controlled substance schedule
Regulatory classification in United States
Short-term treatment of insomnia, sedation before surgical procedures, and management of anxiety disorders. May also be used as an anticonvulsant in some seizure disorders.
Amobarbital enhances the effect of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) at GABA-A receptors in the brain, increasing inhibitory neurotransmission and producing sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant effects.
Has high potential for dependence and tolerance with prolonged use. Contraindicated in patients with porphyria, severe respiratory depression, or known barbiturate hypersensitivity. Can cause significant CNS depression; avoid operating machinery or driving. Use during pregnancy may cause fetal harm. Withdrawal requires medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy