Barbiturates Poisoning

Basics

Description

  • Class of sedative–hypnotic agents
  • Derivatives of barbituric acid
  • Mechanism:
    • Enhances activity of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
    • At high levels, directly opens GABA-A associated chloride channel
    • Leads to inhibition of vascular smooth muscle tone
    • May lead to direct myocardial depression

Etiology

Overdose of barbiturates:
  • Intentional or nonintentional

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