ToxTests | Barbiturates (BAR) Drug Test Dip Cards

Barbiturate use and abuse has declined dramatically since the 1970s and have largely been replaced by benzodiazepines in routine medical practice. Brand names include Amytal®, Butisol®, Nembutal®, Seconal®, Donnatal®, Esgic®, Fioricet®, Fiorinal®, Ascomp®, Fortabs®.

Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants. They are used therapeutically as sedatives, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. barbiturates are almost always taken orally as capsules or tablets. The effects resemble those of intoxication with alcohol.

Chronic use of barbiturates leads to tolerance and physical dependence. Short-acting barbiturates taken at 400 mg/day for 2-3 months and produce a clinically significant degree of physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms experienced during periods of drug abstinence can be severe enough to cause death. Only a small amount (less than 5%) of most barbiturates are excreted unaltered in the urine. The approximate detection time limits for barbiturates are:

Short-acting (e.g. Secobarbital) 100 mg (oral): 4.5 days
Long-acting (e.g. Phenobarbital) 400 mg (oral): 7 days