ABSTRACT
Mephobarbital has strong sedative action, but relatively weak hypnotic action. Thus, mephobarbital pharmacotherapy usually is associated with little or no drowsiness or lassitude. After oral ingestion, approximately half of the mephobarbital dose is absorbed from the GI tract. It has an onset of action of 30 to 60 minutes after oral ingestion and its duration of action is 10 to 16 hours. The lipid solubility of barbiturates, such as mephobarbital, results in their rapid and widespread distribution throughout the body. Addiction and habituation have been associated with long-term mephobarbital pharmacotherapy and regular personal use. Concurrent alcohol use may increase the CNS depressant action of mephobarbital. Mephobarbital may stimulate the production of the hepatic microsomal enzymes that are responsible for the metabolism of many different drugs. Mephobarbital may stimulate the production of the hepatic microsomal enzymes that are responsible for the metabolism of many different drugs.
