Question

Barbituric acid is used as (a) a tranquilizer (b) an antibiotic (c) an antipyretic (d) an antiseptic

Short answer

Barbituric acid is used as a tranquilizer.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Use of Barbituric Acid

Barbituric acid is the parent compound of barbiturates, which are central nervous system depressants. These compounds are typically used in medicine for their sedative and tranquilizing properties.

Analyze the Options

Let's look at the options given: (a) Tranquilizer - this matches the use of barbituric acid derivatives as they are used for sedation and calming effects. (b) Antibiotic - these are drugs used to fight bacterial infections, which is not related to the function of barbiturates. (c) Antipyretic - these are substances that reduce fever, not a use of barbiturates. (d) Antiseptic - these are substances that prevent infection, particularly by killing or inhibiting germ growth, which is not what barbiturates do.

Select the Correct Answer

Based on our analysis, option (a) "a tranquilizer" correctly describes the function associated with barbituric acid derivatives, as they are used for their sedative and tranquilizing effects.

Key concepts

Central Nervous System Depressants

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants are a class of drugs that slow down brain activity. They play a crucial role in treating various health conditions by calming nerves and inducing sleep. These drugs work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps control nervous system activity.

There are several important points to understand about CNS depressants:

• They are often used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders.
• These depressants can produce calming effects, helping patients relax and reduce stress levels.
• Barbiturates, a class of CNS depressants derived from barbituric acid, are known for their sedative and tranquilizing properties.

It is essential to use CNS depressants as prescribed by a healthcare professional, as they have the potential for misuse and addiction.

Tranquilizers

Tranquilizers are a specific subset of CNS depressants that primarily aim to reduce tension and anxiety. They help patients achieve a state of calmness, necessary for various therapeutic purposes.

There are two main types of tranquilizers:

• Major tranquilizers: Also known as antipsychotics, these drugs are used to treat major psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.
• Minor tranquilizers: These are used to treat mild anxiety and stress-related disorders. Some well-known examples include diazepam and alprazolam.

The tranquilizing effects of drugs derived from barbituric acid are a core aspect of their use in medicine. It's vital to monitor dosage carefully to avoid potential side effects or dependency.

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are derived from barbituric acid and have been traditionally used as sedatives and hypnotics. They are effective in inducing sleep, reducing anxiety, and controlling seizures.

Key features of barbiturates include:

• The ability to induce a range of effects, from mild sedation to full anesthesia, depending on the dose.
• Classification into different groups based on their duration of action, such as ultrashort-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting barbiturates.
• Usefulness in medical settings, though their use has decreased with the development of safer alternatives.

Despite their benefits, it's crucial to manage their use due to the risk of tolerance, dependence, and overdose.

Sedative Properties

Sedative properties are a key feature of many pharmaceuticals, including barbiturates, making them effective in treating insomnia and anxiety. Sedatives operate by depressing the central nervous system, promoting tranquility and relaxation.

Some important points about sedative properties are:

• They help induce relaxation and sometimes sleep by reducing irritability and excitement in the nervous system.
• Sedatives are often used preoperatively to alleviate a patient's anxiety before surgery.
• Barbiturates possess powerful sedative effects, but alternatives like benzodiazepines are now more commonly prescribed due to a better safety profile.

Users must adhere strictly to prescribed dosages to prevent adverse effects, as excessive use can lead to severe consequences like respiratory depression and even death.