Table of Contents
How do you induce barbiturate coma?
Barbiturate coma was induced with pentobarbital at a loading dose of 10 mg/kg over 30 minutes, 5 mg/kg/hour for 3 hours followed by continuous infusion (1 to 3 mg/kg/hour). We adjusted infusion rate for controlling ICP not exceeding 20 mmHg.
Why are barbiturates used for ICP?
Barbiturates are believed to reduce ICP by suppressing cerebral metabolism, thus reducing cerebral metabolic demands and cerebral blood volume. However, barbiturates also reduce blood pressure and may, therefore, adversely effect cerebral perfusion pressure.
Can barbiturates cause a stroke?
Barbiturates, other sedatives, and inhalants. There are no clear data associating these agents with stroke.
What is classified as a barbiturate?
What are Barbiturates? Barbiturate drugs are classified as central nervous system depressants. They elicit a sense of relaxation and drowsiness when consumed. They were commonly used in the 60s and 70s to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
What are the adverse effects of barbiturates?
According to MedicineNet, potential side effects of barbiturates include:
- Lightheadedness.
- Onset of dizziness.
- Sedative effects.
- Nausea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Vomiting.
How do barbiturates work in the brain?
Barbiturates increase the activity of a chemical in the brain that helps transmit signals. This chemical is known as gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). As a medication, they reduce muscle spasms, relieve anxiety, prevent seizures, and induce sleep.
What’s the difference between safe and dangerous barbiturates?
Barbiturates have a narrow therapeutic dosage range. Small differences in doses can produce very large differences in side effects. Having such a fine line between a safe and a potentially dangerous dosage increases the likelihood of barbiturates having unintended consequences.
What’s the difference between barbiturates and benzodiazepines?
The key difference between the two is that one is much more dangerous than the other, which led to its subsequent replacement. Although benzodiazepines are meant to be a safer alternative to barbiturates, these types of drugs are far from harmless. Both drugs are prone to being habit-forming and can result in fatal overdoses.
How does barbiturates affect the central nervous system?
Barbiturates cause central nervous system depression by affecting the gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitter, also known as GABA. Specifically, barbiturates bind to GABA channels, causing them to remain open for a prolonged period of time which in turn, creates a negative charge.
Can a barbiturate be used in a pre-operative setting?
Nowadays, barbiturate use is limited to pre-operative settings and is rarely found on the black market. Due to a high likelihood of being abused or resulting in addiction, this type of sedative is rarely prescribed for managing ailments. If it is, it is done for a very short time frame. This drug does not mix well with others.