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Ethchlorvynol
Ethchlorvynol is a sedative-hypnotic depressant of the alcohol class that was produced in the 1950s. It has been used for short-term management of insomnia,1 although other hypnotics largely supersede it2. It belongs to the sedative-hypnotic carbinols and has a simpler molecular structure than benzodiazepines, carbamates, or barbiturates. It is habit-forming, and its replacement by other hypnotics partly reflects their greater perceived safety in overdose.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Ethchlorvynol depresses central nervous system activity3 and is described as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors,4 although its exact mechanism remains uncertain.5 Antagonist actions are also reported at the GABA-A receptor α1 and β2 subunits.
Pharmacokinetics
Ethchlorvynol is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is 35-50% protein bound. About 90% of a dose is metabolized in the liver,6 with possible additional metabolism in the kidneys. Ethchlorvynol and its metabolites undergo extensive enterohepatic recirculation,6 cycling between the intestine and liver. Its plasma half-life is approximately 10-20 hours,6 while its terminal half-life is 21-100 hours. Computational predictions suggest inhibition of CYP2C19.
Interactions
An unlisted combination is an unknown one, not a safe one. Check a dedicated combination chart before mixing.
Tolerance
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Ethchlorvynol may become habit-forming if too much is taken7 and has been associated with widespread abuse.
Physical
Hospitalization for ethchlorvynol detoxification has been reported in two individuals.
Toxicity
Extreme overdoses can cause coma and death.8 Intravenous or intra-arterial injection can also be fatal.
Ethchlorvynol overdose can cause thrombocytopenia.8
Ethchlorvynol overdose can cause respiratory depression.7
Ethchlorvynol overdose can slow the heartbeat.7
Intravenous or intra-arterial injection of ethchlorvynol can cause severe vascular injury, including injury requiring limb amputation, and death.
History & Culture
Pfizer developed ethchlorvynol in the 1950s, and research chemists at Abbott Laboratories in the United States identified it in 1956. A synthesis patent credited to A. Bayley and W. M. McLamore was issued on May 22, 1956, and assigned to Chas. Pfizer & Co., Inc. A related carbamate compound was…
Legality
By Country
United StatesIllegalReferences
Citations
Article Status
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