Methylphenobarbital

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Methylphenobarbital
Systematic (IUPAC) name
5-phenyl-5-ethyl- 3-methylbarbituric acid
Identifiers
CAS number	115-38-8
ATC code	N03AA01
PubChem	8271
DrugBank	APRD00047
Chemical data
Formula	C₁₃H₁₄N₂O₃
Mol. mass	246.3
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	70-76%
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	34 hours
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	Schedule IV(US)
Routes	?

Methylphenobarbital, also known as mephobarbital, (marketed in the US under the brand name Mebaral by Ovation) is a drug which is a barbiturate derivative.

Methylphenobarbital is used as a sedative, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant. It is the N-methylated analogue of phenobarbital, and has similar indications, therapeutic value, and tolerability.

[edit] Approval History

1935 Mebaral was introduced by Winthrop Pharmaceuticals.
2001 Methylphenobarbital discontinued in the UK.
2003 Mebaral acquired by Ovation Pharmaceuticals (specialty pharmaceutical company who acquire underpromoted branded pharmaceutical products).

[edit] Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of overdose of metharbital include confusion, decrease in or loss of reflexes, somnolence, pyrexia, irritability, hypothermia, poor judgment, shortness of breath or slow/troubled breathing, slow heartbeat, slurred speech, staggering, trouble in sleeping, unusual movements of the eyes, weakness

[edit] References

The Treatment of Epilepsy 2nd Ed by S. D. Shorvon (Editor), David R. Fish (Editor), Emilio Perucca (Editor), W. Edwin Dodson (Editor). Published by Blackwell 2004. ISBN 0-632-06046-8