Article: Methylphenobarbital

Methylphenobarbital
Systematic (IUPAC) name
5-phenyl-5-ethyl- 3-methylbarbituric acid
Identifiers
CAS number	115-38-8
ATC code	N03AA01
PubChem	8271
DrugBank	APRD00047
Chemical data
Formula	C13H14N2O3
Mol. weight	246.3
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	?
Routes	?

Methylphenobarbital, also known as mephobarbital, (marketed in the US under the brand name Mebaral by Ovation) is a drug which is a barbiturate derivative.

Methylphenobarbital is used as a sedative, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant. It is the N-methylated analogue of phenobarbital, and has similar indications, theraputic value, and tolerability.

Approval History

• 1935 Mebaral was introduced by Winthrop Pharmaceuticals.
• 2001 Methylphenobarbital discontinued in the UK.
• 2003 Mebaral acquired by Ovation Pharmaceuticals (specialty pharmaceutical company who acquire underpromoted branded pharmaceutical products).

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of overdose of metharbital include confusion, decrease in or loss of reflexes, somnolence, pyrexia, irritability, hypothermia, poor judgment, shortness of breath or slow/troubled breathing, slow heartbeat, slurred speech, staggering, trouble in sleeping, unusual movements of the eyes, weakness