| Indication | For the treatment of insomnia. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Methyprylon, a piperidinedione CNS depressant, is close to barbituric acid in structure, but different enough to be called a "non-barbiturate" sedative-hynotic. Methyprylon is used for insomnia and daytime tension. Methyprylon depresses the activity of muscle tissues, the heart, and the respiratory system. |
| Mechanism of action | Methyprylon binds at a distinct binding site associated with a Cl- ionopore at the GABAA receptor, increasing the duration of time for which the Cl- ionopore is open. The post-synaptic inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus is, therefore, prolonged. |
| Absorption | Not Available |
| Volume of distribution | Not Available |
| Protein binding | 60% |
| Metabolism | Hepatic. Methyprylon is almost completely metabolized. |
| Route of elimination | Not Available |
| Half life | 6-16 hours |
| Clearance | Not Available |
| Toxicity | Symptoms of overdose include excitation and convulsions. |