Medicine Information

Butabrom

Name: Butabrom
Brand: Butabrom
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet10 mgBarbiturate, Sedative-HypnoticATC: N05CA04

Generic Name

Butabarbital Sodium

Manufacturer

Reputable Pharmaceutical Co. (Example)

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
butabrom 10 mg tablet	৳ 2.20	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Butabarbital Sodium is an intermediate-acting barbiturate. It is primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a sedative or anxiolytic. It works by depressing the central nervous system.

Uses & Indications

Short-term treatment of insomnia

Preoperative sedation

Relief of anxiety or tension

Dosage

Adults

For insomnia: 50-100 mg at bedtime. For daytime sedation (anxiety): 15-30 mg, 3-4 times daily. For preoperative sedation: 50-100 mg, 60-90 minutes before surgery. Dosage for 10mg tablet should be adjusted by physician.

Elderly

Elderly or debilitated patients may require reduced doses (e.g., 25-50% of adult dose) due to increased sensitivity to CNS depressants and potential for impaired renal/hepatic function.

Renal_impairment

Use with caution; dosage reduction may be necessary. Monitor for increased sedative effects due to reduced excretion.

How to Take

Oral administration. May be taken with or without food. To be swallowed whole with water.

Mechanism of Action

Butabarbital Sodium binds to the GABA-A receptor complex, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA. This increases chloride ion influx into neurons, leading to hyperpolarization and reduced neuronal excitability, thus causing central nervous system depression.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset of action typically occurs within 30-60 minutes.

Excretion

Excreted mainly by the kidneys as inactive metabolites, with a small portion excreted unchanged.

Half life

Plasma half-life ranges from approximately 10 to 20 hours.

Absorption

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver by microsomal enzyme systems (e.g., CYP450).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to barbiturates
Porphyria
Severe respiratory depression
Severe hepatic or renal impairment
History of drug abuse

Drug Interactions

Opioids

Significant potentiation of sedative and respiratory depressant effects, increased risk of overdose and death.

MAO Inhibitors

May prolong the effects of butabarbital by interfering with its metabolism.

Oral Contraceptives

Butabarbital may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives by inducing hepatic enzymes that metabolize them.

Alcohol and other CNS Depressants

Increased CNS depression, potentially leading to severe respiratory depression, hypotension, and coma.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms include severe CNS depression, respiratory depression, hypotension, hypothermia, shock, and coma. Management is primarily supportive: maintain airway, assist ventilation, administer IV fluids to maintain blood pressure, and use activated charcoal for recent ingestion. No specific antidote exists.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category D. Barbiturates can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women, including withdrawal symptoms in neonates. Not recommended during breastfeeding as it is excreted in breast milk and may cause sedation in the infant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per strip30 tablets per box

Shelf Life

2-3 years from manufacturing date.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved (e.g., FDA/DGDA)

Patent Status

Expired

Clinical Trials

While Butabarbital has been in use for many decades, recent extensive clinical trials for new indications are limited due to the availability of newer, safer sedative-hypnotics. Most data comes from historical studies.

Lab Monitoring

For long-term use, periodic monitoring of complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests (LFTs), and renal function tests (RFTs) is recommended.

Doctor Notes

Use with extreme caution in patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Monitor for signs of respiratory depression, especially when co-administered with other CNS depressants.
Educate patients on the risks of dependence and withdrawal, and the importance of not abruptly discontinuing the medication.

Patient Guidelines

Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine; sudden discontinuation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while on this medication.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor and do not exceed the recommended dose.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Butabarbital can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment. Therefore, patients should be advised to avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing any hazardous tasks until they are certain that the medicine does not adversely affect their ability to do so.

Lifestyle Advice

For insomnia, practice good sleep hygiene: maintain a regular sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime.
Avoid activities requiring mental alertness after taking the dose, especially at night.