Noctal
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Noctal is a barbituric acid derivative used as a hypnotic in the 1930s. It was noted for its rapid breakdown in the body, which prevented accumulation and resulted in fewer side effects compared to other hypnotics of the time.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Noctal, isopropyl-bromopropenyl-barbituric acid, CH2=CBr-CH2-CO-NH-
Colorless crystals melting at 178°, with a slightly bitter taste; poorly soluble in water, well soluble in alcohol; also easily soluble in diluted alkalis and soda due to the formation of easily soluble salts. N. is used as a hypnotic; it has the particular feature compared to other hypnotics that rapid destruction of the N. molecule occurs in the body. The hypnotic effect of N. is 2-2½ times stronger than that of veronal, begins after ½-¾ hours and is not accompanied by noticeable side effects. Due to rapid destruction of N., accumulation is not observed. The lowest hypnotic dose is 0.1 g, the average is 0.15-0.2 g.
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Cite this page
“Noctal.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/noctal/