Propallylonal

Current Scheduling Status
None
Year(s) and type of review / ECDD meetings
Drug Class

Recommendation (from TRS)

Substance identification
Propallylonal (CAS-545-93-7, and for the sodium salt CAS-18277-24-2), chemically 5-(2-bromoallyl)-5-isopropylbarbituric acid, is also known as bromoaprobarbital, bromoaprobarbitone, and ibomal.

Similarity to known substances and effects on the CNS
Propallylonal has been classified pharmacologically as an intermediate-acting sedative-hypnotic barbiturate with a profile similar to that of pentobarbital. As it is a hypnotic, it is presumed

that dose-related drowsiness, vertigo, confusion, and incoordination can occur. The drug, like other barbiturates, is metabolized by hepatic microsomal enzymes and stimulates the production of these enzymes.



The drug produces typical barbiturate-like sedative-hypnotic effects on the central nervous system. As it is a hypnotic, it is presumed that tolerance, both natural and functional, can occur. Cross-tolerance may occur to other barbiturates, ethanol, and other sedative—hypnotic drugs.

Dependence potential
There is no information on the ability of propallylonal to induce physical or psychic dependence in either animals or man in controlled laboratory studies.

Actual abuse and or/evidence of likelihood of abuse
A few cases of abuse and-criminal offences associated with propallylonal were reported between 1976 and 1984. No seizures or clandestine manufacture have been reported. It is under national control in six countries.

Therapeutic usefulness
Propallylonal is used as a hypnotic and a sedative and has the same efficacy as other barbiturates in this regard. The drug has been reported to be registered and/or available on the market in twelve countries. Over the past two years modest amounts of the drug have been consumed. The Committee rated the therapeutic usefulness of propallylonal as relatively low.

Recommendation
The Committee found that there was insufficient evidence that

propallylonal is being, or is likely to be, abused so as to constitute

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a public health and social problem warranting the placing of the

substance under international control.

On the basis of the limited data concerning its pharmacological profile, dependence potential, and actual abuse, the Committee rated the likelihood of abuse of propallylonal as moderate. The degree of the public health and social problems associated with the drug was found to be low as was its therapeutic usefulness. In the light of this assessment, the Committee recommended against scheduling of the drug.

ECDD Recommendation

Scheduling/control not currently recommended