Seconal Sodium (Secobarbital Sodium Capsules) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Seconal Sodium

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Seconal Sodium

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SECONAL SODIUM®
(secobarbital sodium) Capsules, USP

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The barbiturates are nonselective central nervous system (CNS) depressants that are primarily used as sedative hypnotics. In subhypnotic doses, they are also used as anticonvulsants. The barbiturates and their sodium salts are subject to control under the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

Seconal Sodium® (Secobarbital Sodium Capsules, USP) is a barbituric acid derivative and occurs as a white, odorless, bitter powder that is very soluble in water, soluble in alcohol, and practically insoluble in ether. Chemically, the drug is sodium 5-allyl-5-(1-methylbutyl) barbiturate, with the molecular formula C₁₂H₁₇N₂NaO₃. Its molecular weight is 260.27. The structural formula is as follows:

Seconal Sodium® (Secobarbital Sodium) Structural Formula Illustration

Each capsule contains 100 mg (0.38 mmol) of secobarbital sodium. It also contains dimethicone, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Yellow No. 10, gelatin, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, and titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of secobarbital (Seconal Sodium)?

Secobarbital may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking secobarbital and 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:

restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
slow heartbeat, shallow breathing;
feeling like you might pass out;
a fever or a sore throat;
sores...

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What are the precautions when taking secobarbital sodium capsules (Seconal Sodium)?

Before taking secobarbital, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other barbiturates (such as 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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain hormone problems (adrenal disease such as Addison's disease), liver problems, kidney problems, lung disease (such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), history of alcohol/substance abuse, personal/family history of a certain blood disorder (porphyria).

This drug may make...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 8/21/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.