barbiturate /bärbich″o͝orāt, -ərit/ [Saint Barbara, drug discovered on day of the saint, 1864] , a derivative of barbituric acid that acts as a sedative or hypnotic. These derivatives act by depressing the respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, and central nervous system. They have great addiction potential. Some barbiturates are used in anesthesia and in treatment of seizures.
