Paraldehyde.
Posted by JP on 19 February, 2008
Paraldehyde is an anti-epileptic medicine belonging to a group of medicines called barbiturates.
The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures.
Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is a chemical called a neurotransmitter, which when released in the brain, acts as a natural calming agent and keeps the nerve activity in balance. A decrease in the level of GABA in the brain is likely to cause over-stimulation.
Paraldehyde is thought to act mainly by preventing chemicals from passing through openings on the nerve cells. In addition, paraldehyde acts to increase the effects of GABA and decrease the effect of other chemicals such as glutamate that excite nerve activity.
This results in stabilised electrical nerve activity in the brain, leading to prevention of fits and maintenance of normal brain function. Paraldehyde also has a sedative action, that is, it has a calming efect, relieving anxiety and tension.
This medicine may either be given as an injection into the muscle or throught the anus (rectally).
Read more on Paraldehyde here.
