HEXOBARBITAL Meaning and
Definition
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Hexobarbital, also known as hexobarbitone, is a barbiturate compound that belongs to the class of sedative-hypnotic drugs. It is primarily used as a short-acting central nervous system (CNS) depressant and sedative. Hexobarbital works by increasing the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, resulting in a calming effect on the CNS and promoting sleepiness.
As a pharmaceutical agent, hexobarbital is commonly prescribed for the treatment of insomnia, particularly for acute or transient cases. Due to its relatively short duration of action, it is often preferred for inducing sleep when rapid onset and shorter duration of effect are desired. Hexobarbital is typically administered orally in tablet or capsule form.
While primarily used as a sedative, hexobarbital has also been employed for its hypnotic effects in the management of anxiety disorders and to induce anesthesia before surgical procedures. Its use in these applications, however, has been largely replaced by newer and safer drugs.
As with other barbiturates, hexobarbital carries the risk of dependency, tolerance, and potential abuse. Consequently, it is generally recommended to limit its use to the short-term treatment of sleep disturbances. Hexobarbital should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, and its dosage should be carefully monitored to avoid adverse effects, including respiratory depression and overdose.
Common Misspellings for HEXOBARBITAL
- gexobarbital
- bexobarbital
- nexobarbital
- jexobarbital
- uexobarbital
- yexobarbital
- hwxobarbital
- hsxobarbital
- hdxobarbital
- hrxobarbital
- h4xobarbital
- h3xobarbital
- hezobarbital
- hecobarbital
- hedobarbital
- hesobarbital
- hexibarbital
- hexkbarbital
- hexlbarbital
- hexpbarbital
Etymology of HEXOBARBITAL
The word "Hexobarbital" is derived from the combination of three components: "hexa-" meaning six, "barb-" derived from "barbituric acid" (a class of sedative drugs), and the suffix "-al" indicating it is an alcohol derivative.
The term "hexa-" is used to indicate that this particular barbiturate contains six carbon atoms in its chemical structure. "Barbituric acid" itself was named in honor of the German chemist Adolf von Baeyer, who synthesized it in 1864.
So, the word "Hexobarbital" refers to a barbiturate compound with six carbon atoms in its molecular structure.
