Home Drug Guide Methyprylon

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Methyprylon

Brand Names Noludar

Classification

Therapeutic: Sedative and Hypnotic

Pharmacological: Central Nervous System Depressant

FDA Approved Indications

  • Short-term management of insomnia

Mechanism of Action

Methyprylon depresses the central nervous system, producing sedative and hypnotic effects, likely through the modulation of GABA-A receptor activity, enhancing GABA's inhibitory effects.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Initial: 300-600 mg at bedtime. Adjust based on response and tolerance.

Pediatric: Not recommended due to safety concerns.

Geriatric: Lower initial dose recommended, e.g., 300 mg or less, to reduce risk of adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose based on severity; cautious use recommended.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosing guidelines available.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed, crosses blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted in urine, primarily as metabolites.

Half Life: Approximately 4-8 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to methyprylon or barbiturates.
  • Obtain a complete medication history to avoid drug interactions.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in elderly, debilitated patients, or those with compromised respiratory function, history of substance abuse, or hepatic impairment.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, headache. (Common.)
  • Nausea, vomiting. (Less common.)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Respiratory depression, dependence, withdrawal symptoms. (Serious but less common.)
  • Anaphylaxis or allergic reactions. (Rare.)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other CNS depressants, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids, which can increase sedation and respiratory depression.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for CNS depression, respiratory status, and signs of dependence.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for injury due to dizziness or sedation.
  • Risk for dependence.

Implementation: Administer dose as prescribed, monitor patient response, educate on avoiding alcohol and other sedatives.

Evaluation: Assess effectiveness in improving sleep, monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Do not operate machinery or drive until effects are known.
  • Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
  • Report signs of allergic reactions or excessive sedation.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Respiratory depression, addiction, withdrawal risks associated with barbiturates.

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: N/A

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Excessive sedation, respiratory depression, coma, hypotension.

Treatment: Supportive care, airway management, activated charcoal if early, and possibly hemodialysis in severe cases.

Storage and Handling

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

Stability: Stable under recommended conditions.

🛡️ 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.