Butabarbital / Homatropine
Butabarbital/homatropine is a combination medication that pairs a barbiturate sedative with an anticholinergic agent. The butabarbital component produces central nervous system depression for sedation and anxiety relief, while homatropine reduces respiratory and oral secretions that can accompany sedation. This medication was historically used for preoperative sedation and procedural anxiety but has largely been replaced by safer alternatives.
A sedative-anticholinergic combination previously used for sedation with reduced secretions, now seldom prescribed due to safer modern alternatives.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1007800
- Generic
- Butabarbital / Homatropine
- 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.
Used for preoperative sedation, procedural anxiety, and conditions requiring sedation alongside reduction of respiratory or salivary secretions.
Butabarbital is a barbiturate that depresses the central nervous system by enhancing GABA activity, producing sedation. Homatropine is an anticholinergic that blocks acetylcholine receptors, reducing secretions in the respiratory and salivary glands.
Barbiturates carry risks of dependence, tolerance, respiratory depression, and dangerous drug interactions. They have a narrow therapeutic index and are controlled substances. This combination is rarely prescribed today due to the availability of safer sedatives. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression and avoided in those with certain respiratory conditions, glaucoma, or urinary retention.
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