Home Drug Guide Mebutamate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Mebutamate

Brand Names Dormate

Classification

Therapeutic: Antianxiety, Sedative

Pharmacological: Barbiturate

FDA Approved Indications

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Insomnia

Mechanism of Action

Mebutamate enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA-A receptors, leading to sedative, anxiolytic, and hypnotic effects.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 100-200 mg orally at bedtime, adjusted based on response.

Pediatric: Not recommended due to safety concerns.

Geriatric: Start at lower doses, e.g., 50-100 mg, due to increased sensitivity and risk of side effects.

Renal Impairment: Use cautiously; dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor for excessive sedation.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well-absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized hepatically, primarily via hydroxylation.

Excretion: Excreted in urine as metabolites.

Half Life: Approximately 7-15 hours, but may vary.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to barbiturates
  • Porphyria

Precautions

  • Respiratory depression
  • History of drug abuse
  • Pregnancy and lactation (category D)

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Drowsiness (Common)
  • Dizziness (Common)
  • Gastrointestinal upset (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Respiratory depression (Rare)
  • Custody of addiction or dependence (High risk)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines)
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Cyclosporine

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor respiratory status, level of consciousness, signs of dependence.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for addiction and dependence
  • Impaired sleep pattern

Implementation: Administer with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs; avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Evaluation: Assess sleep quality, monitor for adverse effects, evaluate for signs of dependence.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Do not operate machinery or drive until response is known.
  • Avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
  • Do not discontinue abruptly to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
  • Report any excessive sedation, respiratory depression, or changes in mood.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for addiction, abuse, and withdrawal symptoms.

Genetic Factors: Variability in metabolism may affect response.

Lab Test Interference: Potential interference with liver and kidney function tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma.

Treatment: Supportive care; airway management; activated charcoal if ingested recently; hemodialysis in severe cases.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable for 2-3 years if stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.