secobarbital sodium /sek′obär″bital/ , a barbiturate sedative-hypnotic. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of insomnia and agitation and as an anticonvulsant and preoperative sedative. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Impaired liver function or known hypersensitivity to this drug or to any barbiturate prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are central nervous system and respiratory depression, hypersensitivity reactions, and paradoxical excitement. Kidney damage may result from the polyethylene glycol that is used as a diluent in injectable preparations of the drug.
