Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEXOBARBITONE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Barbiturate used as an hypnotic and sedative. Normally given by mouth. WARNING: Abuse can
lead to habituation. Subject to Federal and State regulations. Narcotic substance,
Schedule I (UN).

SYNONYMS

C12-H16-N2-O3, "5-(1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1, 5-dimethylbarbituric acid", "5-(1-cyclohexen-1-
yl)-1, 5-dimethylbarbituric acid", "5-(1-cyclohexenyl)-1, 5-dimethylbarbituric acid", "5-
(1-cyclohexenyl)-1, 5-dimethylbarbituric acid", "5-(1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1, 5-dimethyl-2, 4,
6[1H, 3H, 5H]pyrimidinetrione", "5-(1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1, 5-dimethyl-2, 4, 6[1H, 3H,
5H]pyrimidinetrione", "5-(1-cyclohexenyl-1)-1-methyl-5-methylbarbituric acid", "5-(1-
cyclohexenyl-1)-1-methyl-5-methylbarbituric acid", "5-(delta-1, 2-cyclohexenyl)-5-methyl-
N-methyl-barbituric acid", "5-(delta-1, 2-cyclohexenyl)-5-methyl-N-methyl-barbituric
acid", methylhexabarbital, methylhexabital, hexabarbital, hexobarbital, "N-hexyl-5-
cyclohexenyl-5-methylbarbituric acid", "N-hexyl-5-cyclohexenyl-5-methylbarbituric acid",
Barbidorm, Citodan, Citopan, Cyclonal, Cyclopan, Enhexymal, Esobarbitale, Evipal, Evipan,
Hexanastab, Hexenal, Methexenyl, Narcosan, Noctivane, Sombucaps, Sombulex, Somnalert,
barbiturate/hypnotic/sedative

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  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.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  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.