Topic summary
Ethchlorvynol
Ethchlorvynol is a GABAA receptorpositive allosteric modulator with hypnotic and sedative properties, first developed by Pfizer in the 1950s. In the United States, it was sold by Abbott Laboratories under the trade name Placidyl. Placidyl was available in 200 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg strength gel-filled capsules. The 500 mg and 750 mg capsules were intended to reduce sleep latency, while the 200 mg capsule was intended to re-induce sleep in cases of early awakening. Abbott discontinued production in 1999, largely because benzodiazepines (such as Librium and Valium) had replaced non-barbiturate sedatives in clinical practice; by the end of 2001 remaining supplies in the United States had been exhausted.