Barbiturates are a class of long-acting sedative-hypnotic drugs derived from barbituric acid, historically used as sleep aids and anesthetics. They act on the central nervous system to depress activity, producing drowsiness, calm, or anesthesia. Due to safety concerns and dependence risk, many barbiturates have been replaced by newer sedatives. The term encompasses various compounds such as phenobarbital and pentobarbital.
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