Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

QUINALBARBITONE SODIUM

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Barbiturate used as an hypnotic and sedative. Normally given by mouth. Has also been used
for premedication in anaesthetic procedures but this use has largely been abandoned in
favour of the benzodiazepines. WARNING: Abuse can lead to habituation. Subject to Federal
and State regulations. Narcotic substance.

SYNONYMS

C12-H16-N2-O3.Na, "5-allyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)barbituric acid sodium salt", "5-allyl-5-(1-
methylbutyl)barbituric acid sodium salt", "5-allyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)malonylurea sodium
salt", "5-allyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)malonylurea sodium salt", "5-(1-methylbutyl)-5-(2-
propenyl)-2, 4, 6[1H, 3H, 5H]pyrimidinetrione sodium", "5-(1-methylbutyl)-5-(2-propenyl)-
2, 4, 6[1H, 3H, 5H]pyrimidinetrione sodium", "propylmethylcarbinylallyl barbituric acid
sodium salt", "sodium 5-allyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)barbiturate", "sodium 5-allyl-5-(1-
methylbutyl)barbiturate", Barbosec, "Bipanal sodium", Evrronal, "Evronal sodium",
Hypotrol, Imesonal, Immenoctal, "Meballymal sodium", Pramil, "Quinalbarbital sodium",
Quinalspan, Sebar, Seco-8, "Secobarbital sodium", "Secobarbitone sodium", "Seconal
sodium", Sedutain, Seotal, Synate, "Trisomnin sodium", barbiturate/hypnotic/sedative

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Side effects of barbiturates include slow, shallow breathing, pin-point pupils, weak pulse, low blood pressure and sometimes a skin reaction. A red rash sensitive to light may occur with spots. There may be small skin hemorrhages, blisters and crusting, with tissue death. High doses of barbiturates may result in involuntary jerking of the eyeballs, inco-ordination and loss of judgment. Overdose may cause prolonged coma, depression of the heart and breathing, and kidney failure due to low blood pressure and shock. Death may result, usually after several hours to days, due to respiratory arrest or paralysis. Incidental exposure carries the same risks as treatment with barbiturates in work settings. Persons with a psychiatric history taking drugs should be monitored carefully as they are more prone to dependence and addiction. Side effects of sleeping medication include drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness and inco-ordination and alcohol can increase them. Drug dependency can occur after a few weeks of nightly administration. Withdrawal of the drug is associated with a range of unpleasant effects and severity; it can also cause rebound insomnia where the symptoms are worse than before. Rarely, behavior changes may follow administration of sleeping drugs. If used late in pregnancy it can sedate the fetus.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Solution of material in moisture on the skin, or perspiration, mayincrease irritant effects.  The alkaline nature of barbiturates can cause tissue death afterinjection.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Barbiturates cause an alcoholism-like syndrome when used long term. Symptoms include disorientation, mental confusion, inco-ordination, dizziness, depression and skin rashes. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with epileptic seizures and delirium. Tolerance may develop.