Etclorvinol
Etclorvinol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Etclorvinol is a brand name. Its generic name is Ethchlorvynol.
Etclorvinol Introduction
Etclorvinol, commonly known by the brand name Placidyl, is a sedative and hypnotic medication prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is also used to help people with alcohol withdrawal. Etclorvinol is classified as a barbiturate, which means it acts on the central nervous system to depress the activity of brain cells.
Uses For Etclorvinol
Etclorvinol is primarily used to treat short-term insomnia, often in cases where stress or anxiety is causing the repeated awakenings and difficulty falling or staying asleep. It is also sometimes prescribed to help with alcohol withdrawal.
Mechanism Of Action
Like other barbiturates, the mechanism of action of Etclorvinol is unclear. It is believed that Etclorvinol binds to GABA receptors in the brain and enhances their effects, which blocks excitatory signals and produces sedation. Etclorvinol also decreases the activity of glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
The effects of Etclorvinol typically begin within 15 minutes to 1 hour after ingestion. The effects last for 6 to 8 hours.
Absorption
Etclorvinol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed in the small intestine after oral administration.
Route of Elimination
The majority of the drug is eliminated through feces, with around 15% eliminated in the urine. The drug has a biological half-life of between 15 and 24 hours, depending on the individual.
Dosage
The recommended dose of Etclorvinol is 1-2 mg/kg, taken orally at bedtime. The maximum dose should not exceed 500 mg per day. Overdose can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking Etclorvinol.
Administration
Etclorvinol should be taken orally at bedtime. It should be taken with food or milk to help reduce the risk of side effects. It should not be taken with alcohol.
Side Effect
Common side effects of Etclorvinol include: drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, headaches, confusion, dry mouth, sedation, nausea, and stomach complaints. Rare but serious side effects include anaphylaxis, angioedema, and liver toxicity.
Toxicity
Overdose with Etclorvinol can be fatal, and symptoms may include confusion, agitation, respiratory depression, and coma. Treatment of overdose may include the use of naloxone or other drugs to counter the effects of the overdose.
Precaution
Before taking Etclorvinol, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure the drug is appropriate for you. It may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, heart problems, and breathing difficulties.
Interaction
Etclorvinol may interact with other drugs, including central nervous system depressants, opioids, certain antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Alcohol is also known to interact with Etclorvinol and should be avoided.
Disease Interaction
Etclorvinol may interact with certain diseases or medical conditions, such as lung or kidney disease, heart problems, and breathing difficulties. Patients taking Etclorvinol should inform their doctor of any medical conditions they have.
Drug Interaction
Etclorvinol may interact with certain drugs, including but not limited to certain opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, and alcohol. Patients should inform their doctor of any drugs they are taking before beginning treatment with Etclorvinol.
Food Interactions
Etclorvinol may interact with certain foods and drinks, so patients should inform their doctor of their dietary habits before taking the drug. Avoid alcohol while taking Etclorvinol, as it may increase the risk of side effects. It is best to take the drug with food or milk.
Pregnancy Use
Etclorvinol is classified as a pregnancy-category C drug, which means it is known to cause harm to an unborn baby. It should not be taken during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Lactation Use
Etclorvinol is not recommended for use during lactation. Breastfeeding mothers should not take the drug.
Acute Overdose
Overdose with Etclorvinol can be fatal and emergency medical attention should be sought immediately. Symptoms may include confusion, agitation, respiratory depression, and coma.
Contraindication
Etclorvinol is contraindicated in patients with a history of drug abuse, allergy to Etclorvinol or any of its ingredients, and certain medical conditions such as lung or kidney disease, heart problems, and breathing difficulties.
Use Direction
Take Etclorvinol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount. Take the drug with food or milk to help reduce the risk of side effects. Avoid alcohol, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Storage Condition
Store Etclorvinol at room temperature and protect it from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Volume Of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Etclorvinol is 0.3-0.5 L/kg.
Half Life
The half life of Etclorvinol is 15-24 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of Etclorvinol is 0.5-0.7 ml/min/kg.
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