| Item |
Information |
|
Drug Groups
|
illicit; approved |
|
Description
|
A hypnotic and sedative. Its use has been largely superseded by other drugs. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
For the treatment of insomnia. |
| Pharmacology |
Glutethimide is a hypnotic sedative that was introduced in 1954 as a safe alternative to barbiturates to treat insomnia. Before long, however, it had become clear that glutethimide was just as likely to cause addiction and caused similarly severe withdrawal symptoms. |
| Toxicity |
In adults, death has been reported after 5 g. The usual lethal dose is 10 to 20g, although survival after a dose of 28 g has been reported. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
|
| Biotransformation |
Hepatic. Glutethimide is almost completely metabolized. |
| Absorption |
Variable |
| Half Life |
10-12 hours |
| Elimination |
glutethimide is inactivated by conjugation and the metabolites are excreted in urine, only 2% of the parent substance is excreted in urine, up to 2% of the dose has been reported to be found in the faeces. |
| External Links |
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