Withdrawn from the market (business decision)

Ethchlorvynol

PLACIDYL

What it isTertiary acetylenic alcohol sedative-hypnotic; withdrawn.

Why this oneIt was a widely used hypnotic before the benzodiazepines.

What limits itNarrow margin, dependence and a difficult overdose. US marketing discontinued in 1999.

FDA-approved for

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskWithdrawn; narrow margin and dependence

Therapeutic safety burden3 / 4

Sedation liability3 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Defining liabilityDependence and potentially prolonged CNS depression