Mebaral (Mephobarbital) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Mebaral

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Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview

Insomnia, a disorder of sleep, occurs occasionally in most people but usually lasts only a few days. The body then "corrects" itself naturally, and people return to a normal pattern of sleep. Insomnia may be short-term (less than three weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than three weeks. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, poor sleeping habits, stress, jet lag, medications, disease, and depression. Chronic insomnia may warrant the use of sedative/hypnotics medications; however, it is important that the treating physician perform a complete diagnostic evaluation as well as take medication and substance abuse histories, to exclude secondary insomnia due to other conditions.

Hypnotics/sedatives medications (henceforth referred to as hypnotics) work, in general, by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neuro...

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Mebaral

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MEBARAL®
(mephobarbital) Tablets, USP

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Mephobarbital, 5-Ethyl-1-methyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid, is a babiturate with sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant properties. It occurs as a white, nearly odorless, tasteless powder and is slightly soluble in water and in alcohol.

MEBARAL (mephobarbital) is available as tablets for oral administration. The structural formula is:

MEBARAL (mephobarbital) Structural Formula Illustration

Inactive Ingredients: Lactose, Starch, Stearic Acid, Talc.

What are the possible side effects of mephobarbital (Mebaral)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

confusion, hallucinations;
slow heart rate; or
feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

dizziness;
memory or thinking problems;
feeling nervous or agitated;
nausea, vomiting;...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Mebaral »

What are the precautions when taking mephobarbital (Mebaral)?

Before taking mephobarbital, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain blood disorder (porphyria), severe liver disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, severe breathing problems (e.g., respiratory depression), kidney problems, heart problems, myasthenia gravis, long-term severe...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 11/17/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.