Barbital Sodium
Barbital Sodium is a long-acting barbiturate that was historically used as a sedative and hypnotic agent. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA in the central nervous system, resulting in decreased neuronal activity. While once commonly prescribed for insomnia and anxiety, barbiturates have been largely replaced by safer alternatives due to their narrow therapeutic index and risk of dependence.
Barbital Sodium is an older barbiturate sedative-hypnotic that has been largely phased out due to safety concerns.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 235404
- Generic
- Barbital Sodium
- Class
- pin-variant
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- 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
third trimesteravoid
avoid near term due to risk of neonatal sedation and respiratory depression
fetal monitoring and assessment of newborn for withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
barbital passes into breast milk; consider alternative therapy or discontinue breastfeeding
monitor infant for excessive sleepiness or difficulty feeding
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 12reduce dose significantly
use with extreme caution; avoid due to risk of paradoxical excitement and respiratory depression
close monitoring of respiratory status and CNS effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65reduce dose by 25-50%
use lowest effective dose; increased sensitivity to CNS effects
monitor for falls, confusion, respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose and extend dosing interval
barbital is renally excreted; adjust dosing based on renal function; avoid in severe impairment if possible
monitor drug levels and renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose significantly
barbital is metabolized in liver; use with caution in hepatic impairment; avoid in severe hepatic disease
monitor liver function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Barbiturate class classification
Common uses
Therapeutic applications
Introduced for medical use
Historical prescribing information
Barbital Sodium was historically used for the treatment of insomnia and as a sedative for anxiety disorders. It also saw use as a pre-anesthetic agent and for certain seizure disorders. However, it is rarely used in modern practice.
Barbital Sodium enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA-A receptors, increasing chloride ion conductance and hyperpolarizing neuronal membranes. This results in CNS depression, producing sedation and hypnosis.
Barbiturates carry significant risks including respiratory depression, physical dependence, tolerance, and potentially fatal overdose. They have largely been replaced by benzodiazepines and other safer sedative-hypnotics. Use requires careful monitoring due to narrow therapeutic windows and extensive drug interactions.
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