Chemical Properties
Solution S is clear (2.2.1) and not more intensely coloured than reference solution Y7 (2.2.2, Method II).
Uses
Phenobarbital sodium salt has been used:
- to anesthetize mice for inducing ischemia-reperfusion injury
- as a positive control for the activation of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)
- in bioluminescent yeast bioreporters (BLYAS) assay
Uses
Anticonvulsant; sedative-hypnotic.
Definition
ChEBI: A barbiturate that is the sodium salt of phenobarbital (barbituric acid substituted at C-5 by ethyl and phenyl groups).
brand name
Luminal Sodium (Sterling Winthrop).
General Description
Odorless white crystalline powder. Aqueous solutions are alkaline to litmus and phenolphthalein (pH approximately 9.3). Bitter taste. A narcotic.
Air & Water Reactions
Hygroscopic. May be sensitive to prolonged exposure to air. Water soluble. Aqueous solutions are unstable, but may be kept at or below 50°F for a few days.
Reactivity Profile
Phenobarbital sodium can react with strong oxidizing agents. Incompatible with ammonium salts and chloral hydrate. Also incompatible with acids and acidic substances .
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for Phenobarbital sodium are not available; however, Phenobarbital sodium is probably combustible.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Phenobarbital, a substituted barbituric acid is an antileptic drug and is not easily eliminated from circulation. It hyperpolarizes the synaptic neuronal membranes by favoring the activation of neuronal postsynaptic GABAA?receptors by γ aminobutyric acid (GABA). Phenobarbital is also effective in treating neonatal seizures and status epilepticus.
Safety Profile
Confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplastigenic, tumorigenic, and teratogenic data. Poison by ingestion, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intraduodenal, and subcutaneous routes. Human systemic effects by ingestion: nausea or vomiting and coma. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. Used to treat epilepsy, as a hypnotic and sedative. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx and NazO. See also BARBITURATES
