Barbital / Pyrilamine
Barbital/Pyrilamine is a combination medication pairing a barbiturate sedative with an antihistamine. This older formulation was historically used for treating insomnia and anxiety while also addressing allergic symptoms. The combination provided both sleep-inducing and anti-allergic effects in a single preparation.
A sedating antihistamine-barbiturate combination historically used for insomnia with concurrent allergic symptoms.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1007676
- Generic
- Barbital / Pyrilamine
- 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.
Primarily used for insomnia and sleep disorders, particularly when accompanied by allergic symptoms such as itching, rhinitis, or urticaria. Occasionally used as a pre-operative sedative.
Barbital acts as a central nervous system depressant by enhancing GABA receptor activity, promoting sedation. Pyrilamine is a first-generation H1 antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors and crosses the blood-brain barrier, contributing to drowsiness while relieving allergic reactions.
This is an older medication no longer commonly prescribed due to safety concerns with barbiturates, including dependency, tolerance, and overdose risk. May cause significant drowsiness, daytime sedation, and should not be combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Use requires careful medical supervision.
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 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy