Sedative
Classification
Below are examples of available sedative drugs.
Alcohols
Ethylene glycols
Anti-adrenergics
Inhibitors of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor can cause sedation.
- Dexmedetomidine. In some settings, dexmedetomidine may cause less adverse drug reactions than non-selective benzodiazepines.[1]
Anti-histamines
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.[2] Drugs that increase the effect of GABA are called GABAergic.
Many sedatives work by increasing receptiveness of GABAA receptors.
Barbituates
Barbituates are GABAergic by increasing receptiveness of the GABAA receptors. Barbituates do this by increasing the duration of openings of channels in the cell membrane.[2]
- Phenobarbital
Non-selective agonists
Benzodiazepines are also GABAergic by increasing receptiveness of the GABAA receptors. However, benzodiazepines do this by increasing the frequency of openings of channels in the cell membrane.[2]
Benzodiazepine receptors are BZ1 and BZ2.
BZ1 selective agonists
Serotonin (5-HT) agonists
Agonists of the 5-HT1A receptor can cause sedation.
References
- ↑ Pandharipande PP, Pun BT, Herr DL, et al (2007). "Effect of sedation with dexmedetomidine vs lorazepam on acute brain dysfunction in mechanically ventilated patients: the MENDS randomized controlled trial". JAMA 298 (22): 2644–53. DOI:10.1001/jama.298.22.2644. PMID 18073360. Research Blogging.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Katzung, Bertram G. (2006). Basic and clinical pharmacology. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division. ISBN 0-07-145153-6.