Phetharbital

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A short-acting barbiturate derivative without hypnotic properties, Phetharbital (N-phenylbarbital) can be used as a sedative and anticonvulsant agent due to its mechanism of enhancing GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) transmission and inhibition of synaptic excitation. Phetharbital has generally been withdrawn from clinical use. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - 5,5-Diethyl-1-Phenylbarbituric Acid - PHETHARBITAL