Ethinamate is a short-acting sedative-hypnotic medication used to treat insomnia. Regular use leads to tolerance, and it is usually not effective for more than 7 days. Structurally, it does not resemble the barbituates, but it shares many effects with this class of drugs; the depressant effects of ethinamate are, however, generally milder than those of most barbiturates.
Indication
Used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, however, it generally has been replaced by other sedative-hypnotic agents.
Pharmacology
Ethinamate is used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). However, it has generally been replaced by other medicines for the treatment of insomnia. If ethinamate is used regularly (for example, every day) to help produce sleep, it is usually not effective for more than 7 days. Structurally, it does not resemble the barbiturates, but it shares many effects with this class of drugs; the depressant effects of ethinamate are, however, generally milder than those of most barbiturates. Continued and inappropriate use of ethinamate can lead to tolerance and physical dependence, with withdrawal symptoms very similar to those of the barbiturates.
Toxicity
Symptoms of overdose include shortness of breath or slow or troubled breathing, slow heartbeat, severe weakness, chronic confusion, slurred speech, and staggering.
Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single exposure, category 3
22
Warning
Harmful (Xn)
H302
USDEA Schedule IV; Home Office Schedule 3; psychotrope; kontrollierte Droge in Deutschland; regulated under CDSA - not available from Sigma-Aldrich Canada
Harmful (Xn)