Barbiturates

Modern sedative agents and techniques used in dentistry for patients with special needs: A review

“…Additionally, their action decreases calcium channel conductance and excitatory amino acid responses. 46 The four main classes are long-acting, intermediate-acting, short-acting and ultrashort-acting barbiturates, the last three of which are most commonly used for dental sedation purposes. In modern dentistry, barbiturates are used predominantly to assist in diagnostic and radiographic procedures for young children.…”

“…Thiopental is a short-acting barbiturate that produces sedative effects within 30–60 s after intravenous administration or 5–8 min after rectal administration. When given intravenously at a dose of 20–25 mg/kg, it has a duration of action as long as 15 min; when rectally administered at a dose of 5–10 mg/kg, it can produce effects for as long as 1 h. 46 Generally, the rectal route is used primarily in children and may be preferred because of its relatively low pain on administration. However, higher doses of thiopental can cause adverse effects such as abdominal cramps, urinary and faecal incontinence, emesis and hyperactivity.…”

“…Thus, as a wider range of sedatives have become available, and with a shift towards behavioural management strategies in young children, use of barbiturates in the dental setting has declined. 46 …”