The Basics
What is Butabarbital?
Used to treat insomnia and also used before a surgical procedure to make a person sleep.
Brand names for Butabarbital
Butisol
How Butabarbital is classified
Barbiturates, Hypnotics and Sedatives, GABA Modulators
Butabarbital During Pregnancy
Butabarbital pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Butabarbital while pregnant
Barbiturates can cause fetal damage when administered to a pregnant woman. Retrospective, case-controlled studies have suggested a connection between the maternal consumption of barbiturates and a higher than expected incidence of fetal abnormalities. Following oral administration, barbiturates readily cross the placental barrier and are distributed throughout fetal tissues with highest concentrations found in the placenta, fetal liver, and brain. Withdrawal symptoms occur in infants born to mothers who receive barbiturates throughout the last trimester of pregnancy (See DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE). If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
Taking Butabarbital While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Butabarbital?
Because there is little published experience with butabarbital during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because there is little published experience with butabarbital during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Butabarbital on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Butabarbital
Lorazepam, Oxazepam, Zaleplon, Zolpidem.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Horning MG, Stillwell WG, Nowlin J et al. Identification and quantification of drugs and drug metabolites in human breast milk using GC-MS-COM methods. Mod Probl Paediatr. 1975;15:73-9.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
