What it means
A barbituratebar-BICH-er-itA type of sedative drug that slows the brain and nervous system, used for some seizures and in anesthesia.Full entry that calms nerve activity in the brain. It is used for seizures, as a later choice for status epilepticus, for seizures in newborns, and in some hospitals for alcohol withdrawal. It causes sleepiness and can slow breathing, especially with other sedatives, and it can lead to dependence. It speeds up the liver's breakdown of many drugs, such as warfarin and birth control pills.
For the nurse
Check breathing and level of sedation, especially after IV doses, and drug levels as ordered (a usual target is 15–40 mcg/mL [65–172 µmol/L]). Teach the client not to drink alcohol or stop the drug suddenly, which can cause seizures.
At a glance
| Drug class | barbiturate anticonvulsant |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Sezaby |
| Spanish | fenobarbital |
| Also written | Sezaby |
Related terms
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
anticonvulsant
A drug used to prevent or stop seizures; also called an antiseizure or antiepileptic drug.
barbiturate
A type of sedative drug that slows the brain and nervous system, used for some seizures and in anesthesia.
therapeutic range
The span of blood levels of a drug that is high enough to work but low enough to avoid toxic effects.