VINBARBITAL, a barbiturate derivative, is a hypnotic drug. Also, it was used for analgesia and anesthesia in obstetrics.

Hexobarbital or hexobarbitone, (sold both in acid and sodium salt, brand name Evipan, and Tobinal), is a barbiturate derivative having hypnotic and sedative effects. It was used in the 1940s and 1950s as an agent for inducing anesthesia for surgery, as well as a rapid-acting, short-lasting hypnotic for general use, and has a relatively fast onset of effects and short duration of action. It was also used to murder women prisoners at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. Modern barbiturates (such as Thiopental) has largely supplanted the use of hexobarbital as an anesthetic, as they allow for better control of the depth of anesthesia. Hexobarbital is still used in some scientific research. Hexobarbital binds at a distinct binding site associated with a Cl- ionophore at the GABA-A receptor, increasing the duration of time for which the Cl- ionophore is open. The post-synaptic inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus is, therefore, prolonged.

Secobarbital sodium, a barbiturate, is FDA approved for the treatment of insomnia and for pre-anesthetic use. This drug binds at a distinct site associated with a Cl- ionopore at the GABAA receptor, increasing the duration of time for which the Cl- ionopore is open. The post-synaptic inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus is, therefore, prolonged. Adverse reactions are drowsiness, lethargy, hangover, paradoxical excitement in elderly patients, somnolence. Rifampin may decrease secobarbital levels by increasing metabolism.

Proxibarbal is a non-sedative barbiturate with a specific anti-serotonin and anti-histamine effect, due to enzyme induction of serotoninase and histaminase. Its lack of unpleasant side-effects. Proxibarbal exists in ring-chain tautomeric equilibrium with the two diastereomers of valofan. Proxibarbal is metabolized to a five-membered lactone. Its only barbituric property is its ability to induce enzymes that destroy a surplus of neurohormones and rid people of their neurovegetative sufferings, including migraine and other types of vascular headache. Side effects are: dizziness, drowsiness, dyspepsia, allergic reactions. Proxibarbal enhances the effects of other depriving agents, including alcohol.

Remoxipride is a substituted benzamide. It is a weak, but relatively selective, central dopamine D2-receptor antagonist and appears to have preferential affinity for extrastriatal dopamine D2-receptors. It also has marked affinity for central sigma receptors. It was introduced by Astra (Roxiam) at the end of the eighties and was prescribed as an atypical antipsychotic. Remoxipride was withdrawn from the market worldwide by Astra because of several cases of aplastic anaemia associated with the drug.

CHLORAL HYDRATE ANTIPYRINE is a 1:1 mixture of antipyrine with chloral hydrate. It was used as a hypnotic drug known as HYPNAL in the late 19th century.