| Toxicity: |
Glutethimide,
and a structurally similar compound methyprylon, has been used
occasionally as a sedative-hypnotic, although glutethimide’s use
for longer than 3 days is not recommended and it is rarely, if
ever, prescribed today. Glutethimide causes a skin rash in nearly
10% of those using it, and although it was once thought to produce
less respiratory depression than the barbiturates its overdose
fatality record is not good. Much of the drug’s action can
be attributed to 4-hydroxyglutethimide, which is more than twice
as potent and has a long half-life. Like many other sedativehypnotics,
abrupt withdrawal after chronic use or abuse
resembles that of ethanol or the barbiturates and must be managed
accordingly. |