Is it dangerous to take more than 1 gram of barbiturate orally? Pharmacist reveals barbiturate poisoning and withdrawal symptoms
Is there a risk of poisoning if you take more than 1 gram orally? Barbiturates must monitor drug concentrations
Reports in New Taipei City are suspected of feeding “barbiturates” to children in kindergartens, causing Taiwanese people to pay attention to the safety of barbiturates. According to the latest statistical report from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration, there are currently 15 drug licenses for barbiturates in Taiwan. Among them, the third-level controlled drug licenses have been cut off and cannot be produced. There are currently 6 fourth-level controlled drugs. The drug certificates are mainly single-prescription drugs containing phenobarbital, and the indications are epilepsy.
Wang Mingyuan, the pharmacist in charge of Yuzhi Pharmacy and executive director of the Taipei Pharmacists Association, explained in an interview with “healthorn” that barbiturates are divided into third-level and fourth-level controlled drugs based on different levels of control. Compound cold medicines prescribed by doctors Drugs or gastrointestinal drugs are not among the controlled drugs. Among them, the production and import of third-level controlled drugs have been stopped, and currently only the fourth-level controlled drugs containing phenobarbital are in use.
Pharmacist Wang Mingyuan said that barbiturates are inhibitors of the central nervous system that act on receptors for nerve conduction. Since the difference between the toxic dose and the fatal dose is small, taking more than 1 gram (1,000,000 micrograms) may cause toxic reactions, or even Causing life danger. When prescribing such drugs clinically, the drug concentration must be carefully monitored. When educating the public about drug safety, special reminders are also given of drug contraindications.
Only prescribed once in over 20 years! Experts warn of signs of barbiturate poisoning
Pharmacist Wang Mingyuan pointed out that barbiturates had been invented as early as the 1910s and were used to treat insomnia because of their sedative effects. Later, due to its tolerability and safety, other drugs gradually became available as alternatives. For example, BZD (Benzodiazepine) sedative and hypnotic drugs have higher safety and lower risk of poisoning than barbiturates. Therefore, today’s prescription sleeping pills usually belong to the BZD class of drugs, and it is very rare for barbiturates to be prescribed to treat sleep disorders.
“Barbiturates mainly act on the central nervous system and affect nerve conduction. Their toxic dose and lethal dose are very close. Even if they are used to treat epilepsy patients, blood drug concentrations need to be monitored. The proportion of prescriptions is already very small. According to local As far as pharmacies are concerned, we have only opened it once in the past 20 years!”
Pharmacist Wang Mingyuan pointed out that due to their small therapeutic index, barbiturates must be used with great caution. Long-term use of barbiturates may cause side effects such as inattention, confusion, and emotional agitation. If children are exposed to barbiturate poisoning, they may have abnormal reactions such as restlessness and anxiety. In addition, sudden discontinuation of the drug during intermittent dosing may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea and vomiting.
A private message in the community asking if medicine is dangerous? Controlled drug information should be handled with caution
Pharmacist Wang Mingyuan said that the proportion of barbiturates contained in compound drugs is very small, and it is still necessary for doctors to write prescriptions when treating certain patients clinically. However, because barbiturates may cause drowsiness, they do not meet the medication needs of the general public today. If the public has any doubts about medication, they should ask a professional pharmacist with the prescription to ensure the safety of medication.
Pharmacist Wang Mingyuan pointed out that according to the current drug system, doctors have the authority to issue prescriptions, and pharmacists should be on the front line to carry out medication hygiene education when dispensing and dispensing medicines. Information about controlled drugs should be handled with caution. In addition, the current community There are many communication software groups. Before answering people’s drug inquiries, you should properly understand their motives and intentions to avoid jeopardizing people’s drug safety.
Pharmacist Wang Mingyuan reminded that if controlled drugs are obtained without a doctor’s prescription, they are considered “drugs” and illegal drug abuse. Taiwanese are urged to raise their awareness of drug safety. When they have any questions about prescribed drugs, it is recommended to go to a medical institution to ask medical staff or professional pharmacists for their opinions. Parents should also avoid allowing children to be exposed to drugs of unknown origin to avoid irreversible health damage.
Further reading: Barbiturates will not be prescribed for non-epilepsy patients! Pediatric neurologist: 3 types of withdrawal symptoms: seek medical attention immediately
