Seconal Sodium

How does it work?

Secobarbital (previously known as quinalbarbitone in the UK) belongs to a group of drugs called barbiturates. It is thought to act on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) causing the release of a chemical (GABA). This chemical inhibits certain areas of the brain resulting in sleepiness. Secobarbital is known to cause dependence or addiction with continued use and should be used with caution. It is only used for short-term treatment of severe long standing insomnia in patients who are dependent on barbiturates. The medication remains active in the body for many hours and may cause drowsiness the next day.

What is it used for?

Severe, long-standing insomnia in people already taking barbiturates

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

Barbiturates are rarely used due to the potential for dependence, the risk of overdose even with small doses and the serious symptoms caused by abrupt withdrawal. For these reasons, their supply is usually restricted to patients already receiving barbiturate therapy.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

Individuals receiving long-term treatment with this medicine should be regularly monitored (kidney and liver function tests, blood counts).

Avoid stopping this medicine suddenly, as it may result in insomnia, nightmares, irritability, tremor and convulsions.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Liver disease

Reduced blood flow to vital internal organs (shock)

Severe depression

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Sudden onset of pain (acute) or long-standing constant pain (chronic)

Not to be used in

Children and young adults

Disease affecting the airways or lungs (respiratory disease)

Elderly people

History of alcoholism or drug abuse

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Severely decreased liver function

Weak or debilitated people

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication causes drowsiness which may continue the next day. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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