Aprobarbital / Butabarbital / Phenobarbital
This is a group of barbiturate medications (Aprobarbital, Butabarbital, and Phenobarbital) that act as central nervous system depressants. They are used primarily for their sedative-hypnotic effects and in the case of Phenobarbital, as an anticonvulsant for seizure disorders. These medications enhance the effects of GABA in the brain, producing calming and sleep-inducing effects.
Barbiturate medications used for sedation, hypnosis, and seizure control that work by enhancing GABA activity in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 689245
- Generic
- Aprobarbital / Butabarbital / Phenobarbital
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Sedation, anxiety relief, sleep induction, and seizure control (particularly Phenobarbital for epilepsy). Historically used for insomnia and preoperative sedation, though largely replaced by safer alternatives in most applications.
Barbiturates enhance the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA-A receptors in the brain. This increases chloride ion influx into neurons, reducing neuronal excitability and producing sedation, hypnosis, or anticonvulsant effects depending on dosage.
High risk of dependence, tolerance, and potentially fatal overdose especially when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Narrow therapeutic index requires careful dosing. Generally reserved for second-line use due to safety concerns compared to newer alternatives like benzodiazepines.
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 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy