Why are barbiturates considered dangerous?

Barbiturates are considered dangerous primarily because they have a narrow therapeutic index. The therapeutic index is the range between the minimum effective dose and the minimum toxic dose of a drug. A narrow therapeutic index indicates that there is a small margin for safety; a dosage that is only slightly above the therapeutic dose can lead to toxicity and potentially fatal consequences. This characteristic increases the risk of overdose, especially if the individual is unaware of the precise dosage required for a safe and effective response.

Other factors, while relevant to the overall understanding of barbiturates, do not primarily define their danger. For instance, although barbiturates can be abused and may be misused by certain demographics, such as adolescents, this does not encompass the fundamental pharmacological risks associated with their therapeutic range. Furthermore, while some substances can cause hallucinations or may have short durations of action, these are not inherent properties that define the danger of barbiturates as effectively as their narrow therapeutic index.