Continuing Education Activity

Barbiturates are a category of sedative-hypnotic medications used for treating seizure disorders, neonatal withdrawal, insomnia, preoperative anxiety, and the induction of coma to address increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In addition, these medications are also helpful for inducing anesthesia. Thiopental, introduced in 1934 for general anesthesia induction, served as the primary intravenous anesthetic induction agent until propofol replaced it. Barbiturates approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use include phenobarbital, methohexital, butalbital, pentobarbital, primidone, and amobarbital.

Various barbiturates have been either discontinued or substituted with benzodiazepines. Given the prevalence of drug-drug interactions in specific populations, the collaborative efforts of the interprofessional team, including primary care, emergency medicine, and/or specialists, are essential for devising the most effective management plan based on best practices. This activity outlines the indications, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, administration, adverse effects, contraindications, and toxicology of certain barbiturates. Clinicians involved will examine the monitoring parameters encompassing a wide range of physiological considerations when employing barbiturates in the clinical setting, along with crucial aspects in the care management of patients using these substances.

Objectives:

• Identify the appropriate indications for barbiturate use in various clinical scenarios, such as seizure disorders, neonatal withdrawal, insomnia, and induction of anesthesia.

• Implement safe and evidence-based practices when administering barbiturates, including proper dosing, monitoring, and adjusting for individual patient needs.

• Assess patients regularly for signs of adverse effects and monitor therapeutic efficacy, adapting treatment plans as necessary.

• Collaborate with the interprofessional healthcare team, including primary care, emergency medicine, and specialists, to develop comprehensive management plans for patients using barbiturates.

Indications

Barbiturates are a category of sedative-hypnotic medications used for treating seizure disorders, neonatal withdrawal, insomnia, preoperative anxiety, and the induction of coma to address increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In addition, these medications are also helpful for inducing anesthesia. Thiopental was introduced in 1934 for general anesthesia induction.[1] This drug was the predominant intravenous (IV) anesthetic induction agent until propofol replaced it.[2] In refractory status epilepticus, a Cochrane Review found that thiopental was equally effective as propofol for controlling seizure activity.[3] In 2011, the primary supplier of thiopental chose to cease its production due to its involvement in lethal injection procedures, resulting in its unavailability in the United States.[4] 

FDA-Approved Indications

Barbiturates approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use are provided below. 

Phenobarbital: Phenobarbitone has extensive use as an antiepileptic drug in the neonatal and pediatric population. It is the most cost-effective drug treatment for epilepsy in adults in low-resource countries.[5] IV barbiturates have been used for neurosurgery due to reduced cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption.[6] For individuals with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), high-dose barbiturates may be a consideration but are not indicated for prophylactic administration.[7] In a review of practice in 5 European countries, about 20% of patients received barbiturates.[8]

In refractory status epilepticus, a Cochrane Review found that thiopental was equally effective as propofol for controlling seizure activity.[3] A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated interventions for benzodiazepine-resistant status epilepticus in both children and adults. Among the studied interventions, phenobarbital and high-dose levetiracetam were superior to phenytoin in achieving seizure cessation within 60 minutes. Phenobarbital is effective, but concerns about its safety profile exist, including cardiovascular instability.[9]

Methohexital: Methohexital has demonstrated safety and efficacy for procedural sedation of short duration for cardioversion and pediatric outpatient surgery.[10][11] Methohexital can be used for fracture reduction in the emergency department and sedation for elective intubation in neonates.[12][13] Methohexital has preferential use in electroconvulsive therapy due to longer seizure duration.[6]

Butalbital: Butalbital is used primarily for the treatment of headache disorders. The combination of butalbital and acetaminophen is approved for relieving symptoms associated with tension-type headaches.[14] A combination of acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine is also available. Severe acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine withdrawal has been described.[15] The combination of butalbital-aspirin-caffeine is FDA-approved for tension-type headaches. Medications incorporating butalbital demonstrate a 2-fold increased risk for the development of medication overuse headaches when contrasted with the usage of simple analgesics and triptans.[16][17]

Pentobarbital: Pentobarbital is used as a pre-anesthetic medication for status epilepticus.[18] Pentobarbital is used off-label for TBI associated with refractory elevated ICP.[19]

Primidone: Primidone is prescribed for the treatment of seizure disorders. According to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the choice between primidone (a barbiturate) and propranolol for essential tremors depends on comorbidities and potential adverse drug reactions.[20]

Amobarbital: Amobarbital has a labeled indication for insomnia, but the American Association of Sleep Medicine does not endorse its use.[21]

Mechanism of Action

Barbiturates cause postsynaptic enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), interacting with alpha- and beta subunits of the GABA-A receptor.[22] Barbiturates increase chloride ion flux, resulting in postsynaptic hyperpolarization and central nervous system (CNS) depression. Phenobarbital and pentobarbital affect the GABA-A receptors with a dose-dependent response. These drugs activate chloride channels at higher micromolar concentrations associated with anesthetic levels.[23] Although both barbiturates and benzodiazepines interact with GABA-A receptors, they are unique because they potentiate GABA-A receptors while increasing chloride ion influx even with very low concentrations of the GABA neurotransmitter.[24]

Structure-Activity Relationship

Barbituric acid was the basis of many formulations patented by the Bayer company. Due to its low lipophilicity, barbituric acid had no innate CNS activity. A lipophilic derivative of barbituric acid was developed (barbital: 5,5-diethylbarbituric acid) and successfully induced sleep in dogs.[23] 

Amylobarbitone became the first IV anesthetic used in 1928. The formulation of parenteral dosage forms occurred due to the addition of sodium at the C2 position.[25] Lipophilicity was enhanced by Volviler and Tabern with the addition of a sulfur group while replacing an oxygen atom, creating the thiobarbiturates in 1934.[25] In 1957, methohexital was created by Stoelting by adding an aliphatic side chain at carbon 5, along with methylation of the nitrogen atom.[24] The R(+) enantiomer of many barbiturates produces excitatory effects, while the S(−) enantiomers produce more depressant effects.[26] 

Classification of Barbiturates

Barbiturates are classified according to the duration of their action. The short- and intermediate-acting ones have effects lasting 2 to 6 hours, while long-acting barbiturates exert their effects for longer than 6 hours.[27][28]

Ultra-short-acting: This category of barbiturates includes methohexital and thiopental.

Short-acting: This category of barbiturates includes pentobarbital and secobarbital.

Intermediate-acting: This category of barbiturates includes amobarbital and butalbital.

Long-acting: This category of barbiturates includes phenobarbital and primidone.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Phenobarbital is rapidly absorbed with a time-to-peak concentration of 2 to 4 hours. The bioavailability of phenobarbital is approximately 90% in adults and less in neonatal populations.[29] Sodium salts of barbiturates are absorbed more rapidly, and food delays the onset of action of orally administered barbiturates. The IV route is usually reserved for managing status epilepticus (phenobarbital sodium) or the induction or maintenance of general anesthesia (eg, methohexital or thiopental). Thiopental observes first-order kinetics in low doses of 5 mg/kg boluses. In high-dose or prolonged infusions, non-linear kinetics will occur due to the progressive saturation of enzyme systems.[30]

Distribution: Highly lipid-soluble barbiturates cross the blood-brain barrier rapidly, but rapid redistribution from the CNS to peripheral tissues occurs.[28] Thiopental and methohexital undergo rapid redistribution after IV injections into less-vascular tissues, particularly muscle and fat, decreasing the concentration of barbiturates in the plasma and brain. Terminating the effect of a single bolus IV injection of thiopental occurs by redistribution from the central compartment to peripheral compartments.[31]

Metabolism: The oxidation of barbiturates is the most important biotransformation that terminates biological activity. In addition, n-glycosylation is important for the metabolism of phenobarbital. Phenobarbital is metabolized extensively by the cytochrome P450, and the maturation of this enzyme family mainly occurs during the neonatal period.[32][33] 

Repeated administration of phenobarbital decreases the half-life due to the induction of microsomal enzymes. The self-induced increase in barbiturate metabolism partially accounts for tolerance to barbiturates. In addition, with chronic administration, an increase in aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase enzymes is detected. The effect of barbiturates on ALA synthetase can cause dangerous disease exacerbations in patients with porphyria. Primidone undergoes metabolism to phenylethylmalonamide and phenobarbital. The efficacy of primidone in treating essential tremor is not dependent on its phenobarbital metabolite.[20]

Elimination: About 25% of phenobarbital is excreted unchanged in the urine. The renal excretion can be increased by osmotic diuresis or alkalinization of the urine. The metabolic elimination of barbiturates is more rapid in young people than in older people and infants. Age-related changes have been demonstrated in pharmacokinetics due to slower clearance in older patients, resulting in higher serum concentrations with smaller drug doses.[34] In children, a shorter elimination half-time occurs due to greater clearance.[31] The half-life of phenobarbital decreases by approximately 4.6 hours/day on chronic administration.[35]

Administration

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

Barbiturates are administered in oral and parenteral forms (intramuscular (IM) and IV). IM injections of solutions of sodium salts such as phenobarbital or amobarbital should be administered in large muscle masses to avoid potential necrosis at superficial sites.

Adult Dosage

Phenobarbital: According to the American Epilepsy Society guidelines, phenobarbital 15 mg/kg in a single dose is suggested for status epilepticus (parenteral benzodiazepines are the first line choice).[36] When administered as an antiepileptic drug for pediatric patients, phenobarbital may be given as an IV loading dose, followed by IV or oral administration.[37] 

In neonates, the loading dose of phenobarbital is 20 mg/kg IV, and the maintenance dose is 3 to 4 mg/kg by mouth. Nonresponders should be administered additional doses of 5 to 10 mg/kg till seizure control. The indication for use typically determines the route of administration for adults. Maintenance therapy for antiepileptic drugs in adults generally is the oral route; other first-line drugs have replaced phenobarbital.[38]

Methohexital: Methohexital and thiopental may be administered rectally in pediatrics, particularly if the child cannot cooperate with IV needle administration. This method is best suited in procedures of short duration, such as radiology or dentistry. The usual dose for methohexital is 1 to 1.5 mg/kg for induction. Barbiturates administered for the induction of anesthesia in adults are most commonly given as an IV bolus for a rapid and pleasant loss of consciousness.[39][40]

Thiopental: When using the IV route of administration in pediatrics, wide variation in the required dose is noted. Cote recommended a higher dose range for unpremeditated children.[41] Thiopental was removed from the United States market in 2011 primarily based on the diversion of the drug within the United States as a lethal injection drug.[42]

Pentobarbital: Pentobarbital is administered by IM and IV routes. Pentobarbital is administered by IM route 150 mg to 200 mg as a single-dose pre-anesthetic medication. For status epilepticus, pentobarbital is given as a 5 to 15 mg/kg IV loading dose followed by a continuous infusion of 0.5 to 5 mg/kg/h. Continuous infusion dosing of pentobarbital is titrated electroencephalogram (EEG), following the guidelines set by the Neurocritical Care Society.[18]

Butalbital: Butalbital is used with aspirin-acetaminophen-caffeine for migraine and tension headaches. AAN does not endorse its use for a long duration due to the risk of dependence and medication overuse headaches.[17]

Primidone: The usual starting dose of primidone is 100 to 125 mg at bedtime for seizure control in treatment-naive patients. The regular maintenance beyond 10 days is 250 mg, 3 times a day. The total daily dose of primidone should not exceed 2000 mg. Primidone is also used to treat essential tremors; the suggested starting dose is 25 mg daily, increasing by 25 or 50 mg per month as tolerated.[43]

Amobarbital: The sedative dose of amobarbital is 30 to 50 mg, given 2 or 3 times daily. The hypnotic dose is 65 to 200 mg at bedtime. Amobarbital is a DEA-scheduled II substance, and agents with better safety profiles should be used due to misuse potential.[44]

Specific Patient Populations

Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is provided for methohexital. The use of thiopental is relatively contraindicated in renal disease. Dose reduction is recommended in phenobarbital. Nephrotoxicity is reported with an overdose of phenobarbital.[45]

Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is provided for methohexital. As phenobarbital undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, dose reduction is advised.[46]

Pregnancy considerations: The placental transfer occurs within 1 minute of administration.[24] Neonatal depression may occur if thiopental is used as an induction agent for cesarean section. Methohexital can also cross the placental barrier. For general anesthesia, drugs other than methohexital are recommended by ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).[47] The use of phenobarbitone is associated with major malformations. Antiepileptic agents, lamotrigine and levetiracetam, are preferred during pregnancy.[48][49]

Breastfeeding considerations: Clinical data on the effects of phenobarbital indicate that inter and intrapatient variability of excretion in breast milk is apparent. Phenobarbital can cause drowsiness in infants, especially when used with other sedating drugs. In a series of breastfeeding infants, for each mg/kg of phenobarbital taken by mothers, the infant's serum concentration increased by 2 to 5 mg/L. Several case reports exist of infant sedation occurring in mothers treated with phenobarbital. Consequently, the infant requires monitoring drowsiness and weight gain, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants. If excessive sedation ensues, discontinuation of breastfeeding is suggested.[50] 

Concerning the short-acting IV barbiturates, methohexital was found in breastmilk at the highest concentrations 1 to 2 hours after an IV dose and undetectable 24 to 48 hours after an IV dose.[51] For thiopental, when used for induction of anesthesia for cesarean section, the highest concentration of thiopental in breast milk was in the first nursing after anesthesia, about 0.9 mg/L. Breastfeeding can be resumed as soon as the mother has recovered sufficiently from general anesthesia. However, if a combination of drugs is used during the procedure, follow the standard operating procedure considering the elimination half-life of each agent.[52]

Pediatric patients: In the pediatric population, the therapeutic approach for refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus (RSE/SRSE) involves using barbiturates such as phenobarbitone and thiopental for coma induction. These drugs act on GABA receptors, inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. While effective in controlling seizures, unique considerations exist in the pediatric population. Barbiturates, including thiopental, may have a prolonged recovery time and have adverse effects such as hypotension and respiratory depression, which may have specific implications in pediatric patients.

Careful monitoring and individualized dosing are essential, and the decision-making process should consider the potential risks and benefits, considering the patient's age, weight, and overall health status. The treatment approach in pediatric RSE/SRSE involves a tailored, trial-and-error strategy due to the limited evidence and variability in individual responses.[53] Guidelines for severe pediatric TBI emphasize ICP control. In cases of refractory intracranial hypertension persisting after maximal medical and surgical interventions, the use of high-dose barbiturate therapy is recommended for hemodynamically stable patients. However, when implementing high-dose barbiturate therapy to address refractory intracranial hypertension, continuous monitoring of arterial blood pressure and providing cardiovascular support to uphold adequate cerebral perfusion pressure are imperative. This is crucial due to the common occurrence of cardiorespiratory instability in patients undergoing barbiturate coma.[54]

Older patients: As per the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) 2023 Beers Criteria, the use of barbiturates, including butalbital, phenobarbital, and primidone, is discouraged due to a high rate of physical dependence, development of tolerance to sleep benefits, and an increased risk of overdose at low dosages. The use of these medications is avoided in older adults.[55]

Adverse Effects

For women taking phenobarbital as monotherapy, the drug correlates with congenital defects in exposed infants.[5]

When given in IV anesthetics, barbiturates produce a reduction in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. Respiratory depression and apnea may occur.[24]

Thiopental and thiamylal release histamine, while methohexital and pentobarbital have minimal histamine release.[56]

Extravasation of thiopental (a vesicant) may cause severe tissue necrosis. If extravasation occurs, treatment measures include hyaluronidase and phentolamine.[57] Case reports of successful treatment also include the topical application of a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics and the local injection of lidocaine.[58]

Barbiturates such as butalbital can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. The recommended risk mitigation strategy is to taper off barbituates under supervision.[15]

Hepatotoxicity

Barbiturates can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes associated with mild liver injury. Phenobarbital is predominantly linked with drug-induced liver injury. Phenobarbital-induced severe adverse drug reactions are DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.[59]

Drug-Drug Interactions 

• Phenobarbital is an inducer of the cytochrome enzyme system, specifically the CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, and 3A4/5 isozymes that will reduce the efficacy of warfarin, steroids, psychoactive drugs, and immunosuppressants.

• Phenobarbital will also lower the plasma concentrations of other antiepileptic drugs, such as lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, tiagabine, and valproate.[60]

• Contraceptive failure can occur when systemic hormonal contraception drugs are administered with enzyme inducers like phenobarbital.[61]

• Phenobarbital is a strong CYP3A4 inducer; avoid combination with hepatitis C drugs paritaprevir-ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir.[62]

• As primidone is a CYP3A4 inducer, combining it with apremilast is strictly contraindicated.[63]

• When barbiturates are combined with other CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines and opioids, they can cause oversedation and severe respiratory depression.[64][65]

Contraindications

Box Warnings

Methohexital

Methohexital should be administered exclusively in hospitals or ambulatory care settings equipped to continuously monitor respiratory functions, such as pulse oximetry and cardiac activity. The immediate availability of resuscitative drugs is imperative, as well as age-appropriate equipment for ventilation and intubation. Healthcare professionals proficient in airway management should be consulted.

Phenobarbital

The risks associated with the concomitant use of phenobarbital and opioids include profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Concomitant prescribing should be reserved for cases where alternative treatments are insufficient. If combined, dosage and duration should be minimized, and patients should be monitored for sedation and respiratory depression.[66] Prolonged use of phenobarbital may lead to physical dependence, with withdrawal risks increasing with duration and dosage. Although indicated for short-term use, exceeding recommended durations may necessitate a gradual taper to mitigate life-threatening withdrawal reactions. In addition, phenobarbital is not approved for use in adolescents or adults, exposing them to potential risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, with concomitant use of other substances increasing the likelihood of serious adverse outcomes.

Warnings and Precautions

Absolute contraindications for any barbiturate include status asthmaticus and acute and intermittent variegate porphyria.[24] Hypersensitivity to barbiturates or excipients is a contraindication to their use. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Barbiturates can trigger hypersensitivity reactions by direct histamine release or immunoglobulin E–mediated mechanisms.[67]

Monitoring

Monitoring for Misuse

In response to the abuse potential of barbiturates, restricted access was initiated with the enactment of the Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970. Barbiturates are categorized as Schedule II to IV substances, reflecting their varying levels of abuse potential.[68]

Evaluation and Monitoring for Anesthesia

Pre-anesthetic evaluation is required when barbiturates are used for general anesthesia. The Revised Cardiac Risk Index for Pre-Operative Risk (RCRI) is a tool used to estimate the risk of cardiac complications following noncardiac surgery.[69] Guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) advocate for monitoring oxygenation, ventilation, circulation, and temperature during anesthesia, as outlined in the Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring. Additionally, the ASA Task Force on postanesthetic care recommends monitoring mental status, patient temperature, pain, nausea and vomiting, and volume status.[70]

Development of Tolerance and Dependence

Tolerance is a gradual loss of effectiveness such that the dose has to be increased to maintain the same effect.[27] This effect is partly explained by enzyme induction in the liver. Animal models have demonstrated tolerance. Withdrawal symptoms may manifest, with nervousness, tremors, agitation, and hypotension potentially developing 2 to 8 days after the abrupt discontinuation of barbiturates. In more severe cases, the patient may experience delirium or grand mal seizures.[27] 

Phenobarbital has a narrow therapeutic range of 10 to 30 mg/L, and its fatal dose is 80 mg/L.[71] A Cochrane review found no clear evidence of a benefit to routine serum monitoring drug concentrations for antiepileptic drugs. Dose titration to control seizures was found to be effective.[72] A case report underscores the potential for tolerance, dependence, and misuse associated with butalbital-containing combination analgesics, urging careful consideration in patients presenting with new-onset psychosis. The patient's prolonged daily use of butalbital-containing medication and subsequent admission to a drug rehabilitation facility emphasizes the critical need to recognize and address the potential for misuse early in the clinical setting.[15]

Toxicity

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

Acute barbiturate toxicity can arise from intentional or unintentional overdose. Barbiturates, with a history of abuse, were associated with 8469 cases of poisoning, according to data from the New York City Health Department, spanning the period from 1957 through 1963.[73] Overdosage of phenobarbital symptoms includes CNS depression, respiratory failure, and hemodynamic instability.

Management of Overdose

No specific antidote exists for barbiturates, and overdose treatment includes supportive care and urinary alkalinization.[71] A systematic review demonstrates the efficacy of multiple-dose activated charcoal for phenobarbital and primidone overdose. Hemodialysis and haemoperfusion may be considered in patients with life-threatening barbiturate toxicity.[74] Extracorporeal clearance with dialysis can augment drug elimination in cases of severe butalbital overdose.[75] During recovery, patients with chronic barbiturate misuse can present with seizures and autonomic instability.[15]

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Barbiturates have historically been a widely prescribed class of drugs in outpatient and inpatient settings. Barbiturates are classified as controlled substances, necessitating adherence to all DEA prescription requirements. The prescription drug monitoring program serves to identify potential misuse and abuse.[76] Benzodiazepines have primarily replaced them when used for anti-anxiety or insomnia.

The utilization of barbiturates for IV anesthesia has significantly diminished for the following 2 primary reasons:

• After 2011, leading manufacturers ceased the production of thiopental or methohexital.

• Propofol has emerged as the favored routine IV anesthetic induction agent owing to its ready availability, rapid onset, and quick offset.

Phenobarbital continues to be used as a second-line antiepileptic drug in the United States and has frequent use in low-resource countries as a first-line drug due to its low cost. The systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that phenobarbital is an effective tool in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in an ICU setting.[77] All healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurse practitioners who prescribe these agents, must be fully aware of the adverse drug reactions, misuse, drug-drug interactions, and the potential to develop physical dependence.

When barbiturates are used in anesthesia, supervision by anesthetics and certified registered nurse anesthetists is necessary. Movement disorder specialists should oversee the use of primidone for essential tremors. Given the potential for severe adverse events, including death, a pharmacist should verify the dosing and perform a thorough medication reconciliation to ensure no drug interactions, particularly additive CNS-depressing effects.

The healthcare team must be proficient in resuscitating a patient in the event of an overdose, often necessitating MICU-level care and consultation with a critical care clinician. In cases of severe overdose, consultation with a toxicologist is advisable. A psychiatrist should be consulted once the patient has recovered in case of an overdose. The prescription of barbiturates and subsequent monitoring necessitates an interprofessional team approach, fostering collaboration across various disciplines to achieve optimal patient outcomes in barbiturate therapy.