Alfentanil
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Drug reference
Secobarbital
Sedative-Hypnotic · Hypnotic, Sedative
Also known as Secobarbital sodium, Seconal
Sedative-HypnoticHypnotic, Sedative
CDSCO approvedSchedule X
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
12 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Top interactionssee all 12 →
- AlfentanilSevereDatabaseDDInter
- AnisindioneSevereDatabaseDDInter
- BenzhydrocodoneSevereDatabaseDDInter
- BuprenorphineSevereDatabaseDDInter
Mechanism
Secobarbital is a short-acting barbiturate that binds to the GABA-A receptor at the barbiturate allosteric site, increasing the duration of chloride channel opening and, at higher concentrations, directly activating the channel. Its short duration of clinical effect (3-4 hours) results from rapid hepatic oxidative metabolism and redistribution from the CNS. Like other barbiturates, it induces hepatic CYP enzymes with chronic use.
Indications
Severe intractable insomnia (in patients already taking barbiturates)Preoperative sedationInsomnia
Dosing
- Geriatric
- Should be avoided in the elderly.
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
15-40 hours
Metabolism
Hepatic (via cytochrome P450-dependent aliphatic hydroxylation)
Side effects
Serious
- Increased hostility and aggression (especially with alcohol or intoxication)
Drug interactions
Anisindione
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: metabolism
Source: DDInter
Benzhydrocodone
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Buprenorphine
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Butorphanol
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Codeine
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Dextropropoxyphene
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Dezocine
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Dicoumarol
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Dihydrocodeine
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Ethanol
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: metabolism
Source: DDInter
Fentanyl
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Related guidelines
Other Sedative-Hypnotic drugs
Ask House about Secobarbital
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Katzung·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team