Sedative-Hypnotic Agents
Sedative-hypnotic agents are used widely for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. As a group, they are one of the most frequently prescribed medications. Barbiturates (See Barbiturates), benzodiazepines (See Benzodiazepines), antihistamines (See Antihistamines), skeletal muscle relaxants (See Skeletal Muscle Relaxants), antidepressants (See Antidepressants, General (Noncyclic) and Antidepressants, Tricyclic), and anticholinergic agents (See Anticholinergics) are discussed elsewhere in this book. This section and Table II–53 list some of the less commonly used hypnotic agents.
Drug | Usual Adult Oral Hypnotic Dose (mg) | Approximate Lethal Dose (g) | Toxic Concentration (mg/L) | Usual Half–lifeb (h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Buspirone | 5–20 | Unknown | — | 2–4 |
Chloral hydrate | 500–1000 | 5–10 | >20c | 8–11d |
Ethchlorvynol | 500–1000 | 5–10 | >10 | 10–20 |
Glutethimide | 250–500 | 10–20 |
