Butyrophenones meaning

Butyrophenones are a class of antipsychotic medications used to treat various psychiatric disorders.


Butyrophenones definitions

Word backwards senonehporytub
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division bu-ty-ro-phe-nones
Plural The plural of the word "butyrophenones" is the same - "butyrophenones."
Total letters 14
Vogais (3) u,o,e
Consonants (8) b,t,y,r,p,h,n,s

Butyrophenones are a class of psychoactive drugs that exhibit potent neuroleptic and sedative properties. They are primarily used in the treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Chemistry of Butyrophenones

Butyrophenones are characterized by a phenyl ring attached to a 2-carbon chain with a terminal ketone group. This structural motif is responsible for their dopamine receptor antagonism, which underlies their pharmacological effects.

Common Butyrophenones

One of the most well-known butyrophenones is haloperidol. It is widely used in clinical settings for the management of psychotic disorders due to its high potency and relatively low side effect profile.

Mechanism of Action

Butyrophenones exert their therapeutic effects by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. By doing so, they reduce the activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Side Effects

While effective, butyrophenones are not without side effects. Common adverse reactions include drowsiness, extrapyramidal symptoms, and weight gain. Prolonged use can also lead to metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular issues.

Medical Uses

Besides treating psychiatric disorders, butyrophenones are sometimes utilized in the management of delirium, agitation, and nausea. They may also be used in anesthesia to induce sedation and amnesia.

Future Research

Ongoing research aims to develop novel butyrophenone derivatives with improved efficacy and fewer side effects. By fine-tuning the chemical structure of these drugs, scientists hope to optimize their therapeutic potential while minimizing adverse reactions.


Butyrophenones Examples

  1. The use of butyrophenones in psychiatric medicine is well-documented.
  2. Research suggests that butyrophenones may have potential antipsychotic properties.
  3. Doctors sometimes prescribe butyrophenones to treat severe agitation in patients.
  4. Butyrophenones are known for their ability to block dopamine receptors in the brain.
  5. One common butyrophenone is haloperidol, which is used to manage psychosis.
  6. Some studies have explored the use of butyrophenones in treating Tourette's syndrome.
  7. Patients should be monitored closely for side effects when taking butyrophenones.
  8. The mechanism of action of butyrophenones involves interactions with various neurotransmitter systems.
  9. Butyrophenones are not typically used as first-line treatments for most mental health conditions.
  10. It is important for healthcare providers to stay informed about the latest research on butyrophenones.


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  • Updated 01/07/2024 - 02:04:09