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

What is the primary duration of action for most barbiturates?

1. Short acting

2. Medium acting

3. Long acting

4. Ultra-short acting

The correct answer is: Long acting

The primary duration of action for most barbiturates is classified as long acting. This categorization is based on their pharmacological properties and how they are metabolized in the body. Long-acting barbiturates typically have a half-life that extends beyond 12 hours, which allows for prolonged sedation or therapeutic effects. These drugs are often used in clinical settings for their ability to induce a state of unconsciousness or sedation over an extended period. In contrast, other classes of barbiturates are designed for specific quick effects, such as ultra-short acting barbiturates, which have a much shorter duration of action and are often used for anesthesia induction, or short-acting and medium-acting types that provide sedation but with a more limited duration. Understanding the distinctions between these categories is important for clinical application and patient management within various medical contexts.