Secobarbital
Secobarbital is a barbiturate medication that acts as a central nervous system depressant, historically used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic sedative. Due to significant safety concerns including dependence, abuse potential, and overdose risk, it has largely been discontinued in favor of safer alternatives.
A discontinued barbiturate sedative-hypnotic largely replaced by safer medications due to significant safety risks.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05CA06
- RxNorm
- 9624
- Generic
- Secobarbital
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- 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
- 100mg at bedtime
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- 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
- 50mg at bedtime
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid
avoid use during pregnancy due to risk of fetal malformations and developmental defects
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use near term due to risk of neonatal respiratory depression and withdrawal
neonatal assessment for respiratory depression and withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not breastfeed during secobarbital therapy due to excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for excessive sleepiness or difficulty feeding
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%
use lowest effective dose due to increased sensitivity and decreased metabolism
monitor for confusion, sedation, dizziness, and falls
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12avoid
not recommended for use in pediatric populations due to unpredictable response
close monitoring for paradoxical reactions and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; reduced dosage recommended due to decreased clearance
monitor renal function and adjust dose based on clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50%
use with extreme caution; significant hepatic impairment increases half-life and bioavailability
monitor liver function tests and adjust dose based on clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
active alcohol useabsolute contraindication
concurrent use with alcohol is contraindicated due to additive CNS depression
monitor for severe respiratory depression, coma, and death
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Short-acting barbiturate, sedative-hypnotic
Common uses
Historical therapeutic applications
Controlled substance schedule
Legal classification due to abuse potential
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing period; largely replaced by safer alternatives
Short-term treatment of insomnia and pre-anesthetic sedation. Note: Due to safety concerns, it is rarely prescribed today.
Acts as a GABA-A receptor agonist, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA in the central nervous system, resulting in sedation and hypnosis.
Carries high risk of dependence, tolerance, and potentially fatal overdose, especially when combined with other CNS depressants. Largely discontinued due to these risks.
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
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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