Ethchlorvynol

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A member of the class of tertiary carbinols with sedative and hypnotic properties. Ethchlorvynol appears to depress the central nervous system by binding at a benzodiazepine-GABA-A-chloride ionophore receptor complex, located in the limbic, thalamic and hypothalamic regions of the central nervous system (CNS). This increases the frequency of chloride channel opening, allowing the flow of chloride ions into the neuron and ultimately leading to membrane hyperpolarization and a decrease in neuronal excitability.

**Synonyms:** - ETHCHLORVYNOL