U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Divider Arrow National Institutes of Health Divider Arrow NCATS
This repository is under review for potential modification in compliance with Administration directives.

Details

Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Molecular Formula C4H8O3
Molecular Weight 104.1045
Optical Activity NONE
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of OXYBATE

SMILES

OCCCC(O)=O

InChI

InChIKey=SJZRECIVHVDYJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI=1S/C4H8O3/c5-3-1-2-4(6)7/h5H,1-3H2,(H,6,7)

HIDE SMILES / InChI
Sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), an endogenous metabolite of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Evidence suggests a role for GHB as a neuromodulator/neurotransmitter. Under endogenous conditions and concentrations, and depending on the cell group affected, GHB may increase or decrease neuronal activity by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that are co-localised with GHB. After exogenous administration, most of the observed behavioural effects appear to be mediated via the activity of GHB at GABA(B) receptors, as long as the concentration is sufficient to elicit binding, which does not happen at endogenous concentrations. Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution is indicated for the treatment of cataplexy in narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in narcolepsy.

Originator

Sources: Laborit H. (1964) Sodium 4-hydroxybutyrate. J Neuropharmacol 32: 433–452
Curator's Comment: Sodium oxybate (sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was first described as a possible precursor of GABA that could cross the blood-brain barrier [Laborit, 1964]. Further elucidation proved it an endogenous metabolite of GABA [Roth and Giarman, 1969] with a turnover of 0.16% of GABA being converted to GHB [Maitre, 1997] reference retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3382678/

Approval Year

Targets

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency
100.0 µM [Ki]
Conditions

Conditions

ConditionModalityTargetsHighest PhaseProduct
Primary
XYREM

Approved Use

XYREM® (sodium oxybate) oral solution is a central nervous system depressant indicated for the treatment of: • Cataplexy in narcolepsy • Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in narcolepsy

Launch Date

2002
Cmax

Cmax

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
54 μg/mL
25 mg/kg 2 times / day multiple, oral
dose: 25 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: MULTIPLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
23 μg/mL
12.5 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 12.5 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
23 μg/mL
25 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 25 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
20 μg/mL
50 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 50 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
AUC

AUC

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
3122 μg × min/mL
25 mg/kg 2 times / day multiple, oral
dose: 25 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: MULTIPLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
905 μg × min/mL
12.5 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 12.5 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
1271 μg × min/mL
25 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 25 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
1565 μg × min/mL
50 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 50 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
T1/2

T1/2

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
27 min
25 mg/kg 2 times / day multiple, oral
dose: 25 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: MULTIPLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
20 min
12.5 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 12.5 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
22 min
25 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 25 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
23 min
50 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 50 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
Funbound

Funbound

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
99%
12.5 mg/kg single, oral
dose: 12.5 mg/kg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
Sourcing

Sourcing

Vendor/AggregatorIDURL
PubMed

PubMed

TitleDatePubMed
Diagnosis of unsuspected gamma hydroxy-butyrate poisoning by proton NMR.
2001
Preparation and characterization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) microspheres for the sustained release of 5-fluorouracil.
2001
Properties, modifications and applications of biopolyesters.
2001
[The new drugs: ecstasy, GHB. Update for practitioners].
2001 Dec
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal syndrome.
2001 Feb
Diazepam in the treatment of GHB dependence.
2001 Feb
Different control of GH secretion by gamma-amino- and gamma-hydroxy-butyric acid in 4-year abstinent alcoholics.
2001 Feb 1
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate overdose and physostigmine: teaching new tricks to an old drug?
2001 Jan
GHB and driving impairment.
2001 Jul
A case of withdrawal from the GHB precursors gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol.
2001 Jul
Baclofen antagonises intravenous self-administration of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in mice.
2001 Jul 20
Characterization of partially transesterified poly(beta-hydroxyalkanoate)s by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
2001 Jul-Aug
Patient information. Date rape drugs: what parents should know.
2001 Jun
It's a rave new world: rave culture and illicit drug use in the young.
2001 Jun
The Circuit Party Men's Health Survey: findings and implications for gay and bisexual men.
2001 Jun
Metabolic flux in cellulose batch and cellulose-fed continuous cultures of Clostridium cellulolyticum in response to acidic environment.
2001 Jun
Dopaminergic changes in human brain following acute exposure to gamma-hydroxybutyrate.
2001 Jun 12
[Liquid ecstasy poisoning: study of 22 cases].
2001 Jun 16
Identification and effects of interaction phytotoxic compounds from exudate of Cistus ladanifer leaves.
2001 Mar
GHB: its use and misuse.
2001 Mar
Assessment of coronary reperfusion in patients with myocardial infarction using fatty acid binding protein concentrations in plasma.
2001 Mar
[Acute involuntary intoxication with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid].
2001 May
[Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid-ethanolamide (LK 544). The suitability of LK 544 for sedation of patients in intensive care in comparison with midazolam].
2001 May
Lack of efficacy of benzodiazepines in treating gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal.
2001 May
Determination of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in water and human urine by solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography/quadrupole ion trap spectrometry.
2001 May
Effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid on human platelet aggregation in vitro.
2001 May 1
GHB: an important pharmacologic and clinical update.
2001 May-Aug
Inheritance pattern of RAPD markers in Melipona quadrifasciata (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponinae).
2001 May-Jun
1H NMR spectroscopic investigation of serum and urine in a case of acute tetrahydrofuran poisoning.
2001 May-Jun
Drug dependence studies and regulations: an overview of the past and present.
2001 Nov
The chemical interconversion of GHB and GBL: forensic issues and implications.
2001 Nov
gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid and baclofen decrease extracellular acetylcholine levels in the hippocampus via GABA(B) receptors.
2001 Nov 2
Pharmacologic rescue of lethal seizures in mice deficient in succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase.
2001 Oct
GC-MS determination of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in blood.
2001 Oct 15
Discrimination of gamma-hydroxybutyrate and ethanol administered separately and as a mixture in rats.
2001 Sep
Use of physostigmine in the management of gamma-hydroxybutyrate overdose.
2001 Sep
Prolonged withdrawal from extreme gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) abuse.
2001 Sep-Oct
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid: patterns of use, effects and withdrawal.
2001 Summer
Comonomer unit composition and thermal properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate)s biosynthesized by Ralstonia eutropha.
2001 Winter
Purification and characterization of the D-beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase from dromedary liver mitochondria.
2002 Jan
Huntingtin is present in the nucleus, interacts with the transcriptional corepressor C-terminal binding protein, and represses transcription.
2002 Mar 1
Patents

Sample Use Guides

Initiate dose at 4.5 grams (g) per night administered orally in two equal, divided doses: 2.25 g at bedtime and 2.25 g taken 2.5 to 4 hours later. Titrate to effect in increments of 1.5 g per night at weekly intervals (0.75 g at bedtime and 0.75 g taken 2.5 to 4 hours later). Recommended dose range: 6 g to 9 g per night orally.
Route of Administration: Oral
In Vitro Use Guide
Curator's Comment: gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) activates both pre- and postsynaptic GABA(B)-receptors in neocortical neurons participating in fast synaptic transmission, leading to a powerful depression of neocortical network activity.
Unknown
Name Type Language
4-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID
Preferred Name English
OXYBATE
Common Name English
GAMMA-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID [HSDB]
Common Name English
4-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID
Systematic Name English
.GAMMA.-HYDROXYBUTYRATE [MI]
Common Name English
.GAMMA.-HYDROXYBUTYRATE
MI  
Systematic Name English
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate [WHO-DD]
Common Name English
GHB
Common Name English
.GAMMA.-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID
Systematic Name English
GAMMA HYDROXYBUTYRATE
Systematic Name English
GAMMA-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID
HSDB  
Systematic Name English
GAMMA-HYDROXYBUTYRATE
WHO-DD  
Systematic Name English
GAMMA HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID
Systematic Name English
4-HYDROXYBUTYRATE
Systematic Name English
Classification Tree Code System Code
EPA PESTICIDE CODE 621757
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
NCI_THESAURUS C687
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
FDA ORPHAN DRUG 5384
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
FDA ORPHAN DRUG 694619
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LIVERTOX NBK548588
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 59209-7
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 28041-2
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 28065-1
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
FDA ORPHAN DRUG 26387
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 28038-8
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
FDA ORPHAN DRUG 85894
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 29868-7
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 74920-0
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
NDF-RT N0000175758
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 47542-6
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 43198-1
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
DEA NO. 2010
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 50148-6
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 72433-6
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 43197-3
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 44358-0
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
NDF-RT N0000175728
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 46085-7
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
NDF-RT N0000008501
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 68441-5
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 57746-0
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 68970-3
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 28044-6
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 68440-7
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
LOINC 43194-0
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
Code System Code Type Description
PUBCHEM
10413
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
EVMPD
SUB32656
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
EPA CompTox
DTXSID2074740
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
CHEBI
16724
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
RXCUI
2387302
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
SMS_ID
100000125890
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
WIKIPEDIA
GAMMA-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
CHEBI
30830
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
FDA UNII
30IW36W5B2
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
DAILYMED
30IW36W5B2
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
MESH
C111420
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
IUPHAR
4711
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
HSDB
6927
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
CAS
591-81-1
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
MERCK INDEX
m6124
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY Merck Index
DRUG BANK
DB01440
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
NCI_THESAURUS
C61773
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
RXCUI
1546380
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 17:47:48 GMT 2025
ALTERNATIVE RxNorm