barbiturism /bärbich″əriz′əm/ , 1. acute or chronic poisoning by any of the derivatives of barbituric acid. Ingestion of such preparations in excess of therapeutic quantities may be fatal or may produce physiological, pathological, and psychological changes, such as depressed respiration, cyanosis, disorientation, and coma. Immediate medical care should be promptly initiated. Also called barbiturate poisoning. 2. addiction to a barbiturate.
