Hexobarbital
Hexobarbital is a barbiturate derivative historically used as a sedative-hypnotic and intravenous anesthetic agent. It acts as a central nervous system depressant, producing sedation and anesthesia by enhancing GABA receptor activity. While largely replaced by safer alternatives, it was previously employed for induction of anesthesia and short-term sedation.
Hexobarbital is a barbiturate-type sedative and anesthetic that works by depressing the central nervous system.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01AF02
- RxNorm
- 5302
- Generic
- Hexobarbital
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- 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
- 250-500mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not recommended
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 125-250mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 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 use near delivery due to risk of respiratory depression in newborn
fetal heart rate monitoring and neonatal assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug due to excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for excessive sedation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%
use lower initial doses and titrate slowly due to increased sensitivity
monitor respiratory status, blood pressure, and cognitive function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2-12 yearsweight-based dosing with careful titration
use only in controlled hospital settings for anesthesia induction
continuous vital sign monitoring including respiratory and cardiac status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno significant adjustment needed but monitor
use with caution and monitor for accumulation
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose and extend dosing interval
use reduced doses with extended intervals between administrations
close monitoring of renal function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildreduce dose by 25%
use reduced dose and monitor response carefully
monitor liver function tests and clinical sedation levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeavoid or use extreme caution with significant dose reduction
avoid if possible due to severely impaired metabolism
intensive monitoring of sedation and respiratory status
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Hexobarbital belongs to the barbiturate class of central nervous system depressants
Common uses
Historical therapeutic uses of Hexobarbital as a sedative-hypnotic agent
Prescribing status
Current prescribing status due to safety concerns and availability of safer alternatives
Safety profile
Risk-benefit considerations for barbiturate use
Previously used for induction of general anesthesia, as a sedative for preoperative medication, and for short-term treatment of insomnia. Its clinical use has significantly declined due to the availability of safer anesthetic and sedative agents.
Acts on GABA-A receptors to enhance inhibitory neurotransmission, increasing chloride ion conductance and neuronal hyperpolarization. This results in sedation, hypnosis, and anesthesia depending on the dose administered.
Barbiturates carry risks of dependence, respiratory depression, and narrow therapeutic index. Require careful dosing and monitoring. Often replaced by benzodiazepines and newer anesthetic agents due to their superior safety profiles.
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 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy