Tuinal

What is it?

An anxiolytic and barbiturate, available as 100mg orange/blue capsules containing quinal barbitone sodium and amylobarbitone sodium in equal amounts, coded F65.

Medical Uses

Short-term treatment of severe insomnia for those accustomed to barbiturates.

Dosage

Adults, 100 to 200mg, taken at bedtime.

Special Care

Liver and kidney disorders, lung insufficiency; dangerous, addictive drug with narrow margin of safety in event of overdose. Liable to abuse by overdose leading to coma and death or if combined with alcohol. Easily produces dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms. Drowsiness may persist next day affecting driving and performance of skilled tasks.

Avoid Use

Children, young adults, pregnant', breastfeeiding, elderly, those with drug or alcohol related problems, porphyria (inherited metabolic disorder involving porphyrins), severe intractable, pain which is not controlled.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Alcohol, CNS depressant drugs, Griseofulvin, metronidazole, rifampicin, phenytoin, chloramphenicol. Anticoagulant drugs of the coumarin type, systemic steroid drugs including contraceptive pill.

Known Side Effects

Hangover with drowsiness, shakiness, dizziness, depressed respiration, impaired co-ordination, headache, anxiety, confusion, excitement, allergic responses.