Mechanism of Action of Barbiturates
Introduction Barbiturates are central nervous system (CNS) depressants historically used as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, and anticonvulsants. Although their clinical use has decreased due to safer alternatives (benzodiazepines), they remain important in anesthesia and seizure management—particularly phenobarbital for epilepsy. Barbiturates exert profound CNS depression by enhancing inhibitory GABAergic transmission, blocking excitatory neurotransmission, and directly suppressing neuronal … Read more