Metabolism:
The following section will discuss the ways in which the body metabolizes barbiturates, to be more precise, the pharmacokinetics of barbiturates. Pharmacokinetics refers to how the body absorbs, distributes, binds, localizes, stores and excretes a drug (Tripathi, 2013). Factors such as absorption, distribution, and metabolism are variables that determine the drugs onset of effect and duration (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013). Barbiturates come in the form of capsules or antiesthetic, and can be administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly or rectally. Through oral administration, barbiturates can be absorbed rapidly as a result of the sodium rapidly dissolving and being absorbed faster than corresponding free acids (Moro-Sutherland, …show more content…
Barbiturates are rapidly distributed throughout the body, appearing in the brain, liver and kidneys (Moro-Sutherland, 2000). The majority of metabolism of barbiturates occurs within the liver, and excreted in the urine. The poorly protein bounded long-acting barbiturates results in a higher excretion by the kidneys, whereas shorter-acting barbiturates are significantly higher protein bound in contrast which results in the redistribution and circulation into the body fat (Moro-Sutherland, 2000). The rate of metabolism is dependent upon varying lipid solubility, age of the person, and other drugs consumed (Korsmeyer & Kranzler, 2009); the effects barbiturates has on the central nervous system ranges from mild sedation to complete coma depending on a number of factors including the type of barbiturate used and its dosage as well as the route of administration (Korsmeyer & …show more content…
The differences within barbiturates revolve around onset and duration of action, as well as their ability to enter the brain and their metabolizing rate (Korsmeyer & Kranzler, 2009). These variabilities in molecular structures determine lipid solubility and the length at which they act, where three general categories exist; ultra-short acting, short intermediate acting and long-acting (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013). Barbiturates that fall under the ultra-short acting include thiopental (Pentotal) and hexobarbital (Evipal) (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013). Hexobarbital was one of the first sort acting intravenous antiesthetic and within the first ten years since its introduction, it was estimated that 10 million people had received its treatments (Dundee & Dundee,
The following section will discuss the ways in which the body metabolizes barbiturates, to be more precise, the pharmacokinetics of barbiturates. Pharmacokinetics refers to how the body absorbs, distributes, binds, localizes, stores and excretes a drug (Tripathi, 2013). Factors such as absorption, distribution, and metabolism are variables that determine the drugs onset of effect and duration (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013). Barbiturates come in the form of capsules or antiesthetic, and can be administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly or rectally. Through oral administration, barbiturates can be absorbed rapidly as a result of the sodium rapidly dissolving and being absorbed faster than corresponding free acids (Moro-Sutherland, …show more content…
Barbiturates are rapidly distributed throughout the body, appearing in the brain, liver and kidneys (Moro-Sutherland, 2000). The majority of metabolism of barbiturates occurs within the liver, and excreted in the urine. The poorly protein bounded long-acting barbiturates results in a higher excretion by the kidneys, whereas shorter-acting barbiturates are significantly higher protein bound in contrast which results in the redistribution and circulation into the body fat (Moro-Sutherland, 2000). The rate of metabolism is dependent upon varying lipid solubility, age of the person, and other drugs consumed (Korsmeyer & Kranzler, 2009); the effects barbiturates has on the central nervous system ranges from mild sedation to complete coma depending on a number of factors including the type of barbiturate used and its dosage as well as the route of administration (Korsmeyer & …show more content…
The differences within barbiturates revolve around onset and duration of action, as well as their ability to enter the brain and their metabolizing rate (Korsmeyer & Kranzler, 2009). These variabilities in molecular structures determine lipid solubility and the length at which they act, where three general categories exist; ultra-short acting, short intermediate acting and long-acting (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013). Barbiturates that fall under the ultra-short acting include thiopental (Pentotal) and hexobarbital (Evipal) (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013). Hexobarbital was one of the first sort acting intravenous antiesthetic and within the first ten years since its introduction, it was estimated that 10 million people had received its treatments (Dundee & Dundee,