Object:

To update the knowledge about the characteristics from the toxicological point of view of barbiturate intoxications.

Materials and methods:

A study was carried out where the qualitative method was applied, through a literature and documentary review on the subject in digital data sources. The DeCs-MeSH descriptors were used: intoxications, barbiturates, treatments, hemoperfusion, and toxicology. We reviewed articles published on the subject, through the usual search engines (Google, PubMed, Cochrane, Scielo, among others), taking into account the quality and topicality of them.

Results:

Both the toxic doses and the toxicokinetic behavior of these drugs are variable and depend mainly on the group to which they belong. The most common poisonings are related to long-acting barbiturates. Due to its high liposolubility, ultrashort action can be accumulated in the adipose tissue and these reserves can be a source of toxicity when mobilized. Although they are not common, one must also take into account the possible existence of active metabolites.

Conclusion:

These are drugs in disuse due to their narrow therapeutic margin, high dependence and subsequent tolerance that causes a potential increase in their toxicity. Even so, accompanied by a proper monitoring can be used in specific situations. Unfortunately, there are still many deaths due to accidental overdoses or suicide.

        · abstract in Spanish | French | Portuguese     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )