National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

Which barbiturate is considered the safest due to its long-acting properties?

1. Secobarbital

2. Phenobarbital

3. Pentobarbital

4. Thiopental

The correct answer is: Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital is considered the safest barbiturate due to its long-acting properties. It has a slower onset and a prolonged duration of action, which helps in managing seizures and providing sedation while minimizing the risk of rapid development of tolerance or dependence. This stability in its pharmacological effects makes it less likely to result in the dangerous side effects commonly associated with shorter-acting barbiturates. In contrast, other barbiturates, such as secobarbital and pentobarbital, tend to have shorter half-lives and can lead to a higher potential for abuse and dependence due to their more pronounced and immediate effects. They are often used for more acute situations, such as anesthesia or short-term sedation, which can contribute to a riskier profile. Thiopental is primarily used in anesthesiology and its rapid onset and short duration can pose complications in non-medical settings, making it less safe compared to phenobarbital for general therapeutic uses. Thus, phenobarbital's long-acting nature contributes to its reputation as the safest among the barbiturates.