Barbiturates

Older class of CNS depressants. Largely replaced by benzodiazepines and newer hypnotics such as zolpidem. Current main use as anticonvulsants, in treatment of migraines, and in reduction of cerebral edema and intracranial pressure resulting from head injury

Screening

Immunoassays for automated chemistry analyzers

Urine

Target analyte " ”secobarbital

Cutoff concentration " ”200 or 300 ng/mL

Cross-reactivity " ”approximately 100% with amobarbital, 60 " “90% with butabarbital, butalbital, pentobarbital, and phenobarbital