25 Jul
Extensively used as hypnotics, sedatives and anesthetics. Readily absorbed from stomach. Duration of action of barbiturates in therapeutic doses varies from: 8-16 hrs (long acting, e.g., phenobarbital); 4-8 hrs (intermediate acting, e.g., amobarbital); 3-6 hrs (short acting, e.g., pentobarbital). Barbiturates may enhance other CNS depressants, such as ethanol, morphine derivatives, tranquilizers, and resperine.