Preferred Label : Barbiturate;
NCIt definition : A class of drugs characterized as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Barbiturate
compounds bind to the gamma amino butyric acid (GABA)-A receptor, thereby increasing
the influx of chloride ions into the neuron and subsequently causing hyperpolarization,
which produces a decrease in neuronal transmission. Other barbiturate effects in the
CNS may include modulation of sodium and calcium channels as well as inhibition of
glutamate-mediated excitation. Although the effects of barbiturates are seen throughout
the CNS, the predominant effect occurs in the midbrain region, the part of the brain
associated with arousal. CNS depressive effects associated with this drug class include
mild sedation, hypnosis, anesthesia, and coma as well as a decrease in seizure activity.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A drug used to treat insomnia, seizures, and convulsions, and to relieve
anxiety and tension before surgery. It belongs to the family of drugs called central
nervous system (CNS) depressants.;
ChEBI ID : CHEBI:22693;
Codes from synonyms : CDR0000044107;
Origin ID : C67084;
UMLS CUI : C0004745;
False automatic mappings
- Semantic type(s)
- UMLS correspondences (same concept)
