Full Name: Phenobarbital
Synonyms: Phenobarbitone; 5-ethyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid
Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate derivative. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator at GABA-A receptors, prolonging chloride channel opening to enhance central nervous system inhibition. It treats epilepsy, focal seizures, and status epilepticus. Its structure consists of a 5-ethyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid ring.