Question

Among the barbiturates, when prescribing a sleeping pill (hypnotic), physicians would usually choose a

A. higher dose of a short-acting drug.
B. lower dose of a long-acting drug.
C. higher dose of a long-acting drug.
D. lower dose of a short-acting drug.

Answer 1

Among the barbiturates, physicians would usually choose a higher dose of a long-acting drug when prescribing a sleeping pill.

Step-by-step explanation:

When prescribing a sleeping pill (hypnotic) among the barbiturates, physicians would usually choose:

C. higher dose of a long-acting drug.

Barbiturates are CNS depressants that have sedative and hypnotic effects. A higher dose of a long-acting barbiturate would provide a longer duration of action, helping the patient stay asleep throughout the night. This is preferred over a lower dose of a short-acting drug, which would not provide sustained sleep.

It's important to note that the use of barbiturates for sleep has decreased over time due to concerns about their safety and potential for dependence. Other classes of medications, such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, are more commonly prescribed for insomnia today. The choice of medication and dosage depends on various factors, including the patient's medical history, the specific sleep disorder, and potential side effects. Always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional when using sleep medications.