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

Which of the following represents the fastest-acting barbiturate?

1. Nembutal

2. Phenobarbital

3. Secunol

4. Tuinal

The correct answer is: Nembutal

The fastest-acting barbiturate among the options provided is Nembutal. This medication, known generically as pentobarbital, is recognized for its rapid onset of action when administered, making it suitable for various medical applications, including sedation, anesthesia induction, and controlling seizures in emergency situations. Nembutal's chemical formulation allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream, which results in rapid sedation. This characteristic makes it particularly effective for situations where immediate effects are crucial, such as during surgical procedures or acute anxiety management. In contrast, the other barbiturates listed have slower onset times. Phenobarbital, for example, is used primarily for long-term management of seizures but has a slower onset due to its longer half-life and reliance on gradual accumulation in the body. Secunol (secobarbital) and Tuinal (a combination of secobarbital and amobarbital) also have relatively slower acting properties compared to Nembutal. Thus, when evaluating the speed of action among these barbiturates, Nembutal stands out as the fastest option.