BARBITONE Meaning and
Definition
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Barbitone refers to a type of sedative-hypnotic drug that belongs to the barbiturate class of compounds. Also known as barbiturates, these drugs act as central nervous system depressants, inducing sedation, relaxation, and sleepiness in individuals. Barbitones are typically used for their sedative, calming, and sleep-inducing effects which can alleviate anxiety, promote sleep, and manage certain medical conditions.
The term "barbitone" is derived from the name "barbituric acid," the chemical compound from which these drugs are synthesized. Barbitones have a long history in medical use, dating back to the 19th century when they were first discovered. They were widely utilized as sedative-hypnotic agents before the introduction of other pharmaceutical alternatives.
Barbitones work by enhancing the brain's sensitivity to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces brain activity and promotes sedation. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and their effects vary depending on the specific compound and dosage used. Over time, the extensive use of barbitones has diminished due to the development of newer medications with improved safety profiles, as barbiturates have a higher risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose.
While "barbitone" is primarily used to refer to the chemical class of barbiturates more generally, it may also specifically denote a particular barbiturate compound named "barbitone sodium," or sodium barbital. This particular barbitone was once used as an anesthetic in veterinary medicine but is now rarely utilized due to its potential toxicity.
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The name in the British Pharmacopoeia for barbital or veronal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BARBITONE
- varbitone
- narbitone
- harbitone
- garbitone
- bzrbitone
- bsrbitone
- bwrbitone
- bqrbitone
- baebitone
- badbitone
- bafbitone
- batbitone
- ba5bitone
- ba4bitone
- barvitone
- barnitone
- barhitone
- bargitone
- barbutone
- barbitonee
Etymology of BARBITONE
The word "barbitone" is derived from the combination of two terms: "Barbituric acid" and "tone".
"Barbituric acid" refers to a chemical compound first synthesized by the German chemist Adolf von Baeyer in 1864. The name "barbituric" comes from the combination of "barbituric" (from the Latin word "barbita", meaning "beard") and "uric" (referring to the presence of uric acid in the compound). This compound serves as the basic structure for various barbiturate drugs, including amobarbital and phenobarbital.
On the other hand, "tone" in this context refers to the sedative and calming effects of barbiturates. The term "tone" signifies a state of relaxation or tranquility.
Similar spelling words for BARBITONE
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