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Isomytal: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Isomytal - General Information

A barbiturate with hypnotic and sedative properties (but not antianxiety). Adverse effects are mainly a consequence of dose-related CNS depression and the risk of dependence with continued use is high. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p565)

 

Pharmacology of Isomytal

Not Available

 

Additional information about Isomytal

Mechanism Of Action
Isomytal (like all barbiturates) works by binding to the GABAA receptor at either the alpha or the beta sub unit. These are binding sites that are distinct from GABA itself and also distinct from the benzodiazepine binding site. Like benzodiazepines, barbiturates potentiate the effect of GABA at this receptor. This GABAA receptor binding decreases input resistance, depresses burst and tonic firing, especially in ventrobasal and intralaminar neurons, while at the same time increasing burst duration and mean conductance at individual chloride channels; this increases both the amplitude and decay time of inhibitory postsynaptic currents. In addition to this GABA-ergic effect, barbiturates also block the AMPA receptor, a subtype of glutamate receptor. Glutamate is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS. Isomytal also appears to bind neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
Generic Name
Amobarbital
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Illicit; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Amobarbital
Isomytal;
Chemical IUPAC Name
5-ethyl-5-(3-methylbutyl)-1,3-diazinane-2,4,6-trione
Chemical Formula
C11H18N2O3