Which term is a drug of a class used to induce sleep and relaxation?

Which term is a drug of a class used to induce sleep and relaxation?

• A. Alibi
• B. Affidavit
• C. Hypodermic
• D. Barbiturate

Answer: (D)

Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs used to induce sleep and quiet relaxation. They depress the central nervous system, typically by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter GABA at receptors, which lowers neuronal activity and promotes sleep. Because of their potency and risk of dependence and overdose, they’re tightly controlled and have largely been supplanted by safer sleep aids in clinical practice. The other terms aren’t drug classes: an alibi is a defense claim, an affidavit is a sworn statement, and hypodermic relates to needles or injection—not a category of medication. So the term that fits the description is barbiturate.

Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs used to induce sleep and quiet relaxation. They depress the central nervous system, typically by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter GABA at receptors, which lowers neuronal activity and promotes sleep. Because of their potency and risk of dependence and overdose, they’re tightly controlled and have largely been supplanted by safer sleep aids in clinical practice. The other terms aren’t drug classes: an alibi is a defense claim, an affidavit is a sworn statement, and hypodermic relates to needles or injection—not a category of medication. So the term that fits the description is barbiturate.