Classification of Sedatives and Hypnotics

Classification of Sedatives and Hypnotics

Chemical Classification of Sedatives and Hypnotics:

- Benzodiazepenes
- Barbiturates
- Miscellaneous drugs
1- Benzodiazepenes:

- Classification of Sedatives and Hypnotics According to mechanism of action

1- Short acting
Trizolam
2-Intermediate acting
Oxazepam, nitrazepam
3-Long acting
Diazepam, flurazepam, chlodiazepoxide

-Therapeutic classification of Sedatives and Hypnotics

1- Anxiolytics
Sustained action
Diazepam, Alprazolam, Clonazepam
2- Drugs used as hypnotics
Prolonged action:
Flurazepam, Midazolam, Nitrazepam, Estazolam
Short duration:
Temazepam, Triazolam
3-Drugs used as antiepileptics:
Diazepam, Clonazepam, Clobazepam
4-Drugs used as skeletal muscle relaxants:
Diazepam, Clonazepam
5-Drugs used for oral Pre-Anaesthetic Medication:
Lorazepam, Diazepam, Temazepam
6- Drugs producing Amnesia:
Diazepam, Lorazepam
7- Drugs used for induction of General Anaesthesia:
Midazolam
8- Drugs with greater risk of Withdrawl Symptoms:
Oxazepam, Lorazepam
2- Barbiturates:

- Classification of Sedatives and Hypnotics According to mechanism of action:

1- Long acting
Barbital, Phenobarbital
2- Intermediate acting:
Amobarbital, Aprobarbital
3- Short acting:
secobarbital, Pentobarbital
4- Ultra short acting:
Thiopental, Methohexital

- Therapeutic classification of Sedatives and Hypnotics:

1- Drugs used in sedation and hypnosis
2- Drugs used as anticonvulsants and antiepileptics
3- Drugs used in Anaesthesia and Preanaesthesia


3- Miscellaneous Drugs:
- Chemically Classified:
1- Chlorinated compounds:
Chloral hydrate, Dichlorophenazone
2- Heterocyclic compounds:
Glutethemide, Methyprylon
3- Aldehyde Group:
Paraldehyde
4- Alcohol:
Ethyl Alcohol
5- Carbamates:
Meprobamate, Urethane
6- New Anxiolytics:
Zaleplon
7- Long acting:
Diazepam, Alprazolam
8- Short Acting:
Triazolam