Butanediol

Related Terms

BD, BDO, blue nitro, blue nitro vitality, busulfan, Busulfex?, but-2-yne-1,4-diol, butane, butane-1,4-diol, butanediol fermentation, butylene glycol, butylene glycol fermentation, caps, cherry fX bombs, cherry meth, circles, easy lay, enliven, euphorigenic, Everclear?, fantasy, firewater, forget-me pill, G, GABA-active agent, gamma-butyrolactone, gamma-G, gamma-hydrate, ?-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, gamma-hydroxybutyrate sodium, gamma-OH, GBL, Georgia home boy, GHB, GH revitalizer, G.H. revitalizer, GHRE, gib, goop, goops, great hormones at bedtime, grievous bodily harm, g-riffick, growth hormone booster, insom-X, invigorate, la rocha, lemon fX drops, liquid E, liquid ecstasy, liquid X, longevity, Mexican valium, Myleran?, natural sleep-500, nature's Quaalude, nitro, NRG3, one-comma-four, one-four-B-D-O, one-four-bee, orange fX rush, organic Quaalude, oxy-sleep, pine needle oil, poor man's heroin, precursor product, R2, remforce, renewtrient, revitalize plus, revivarant, revivarant G, roche, roofies, rope, rophies, salty water, scoop, serenity, soap, sodium oxybate, sodium oxybutyrate, somatomax, somatomax PM, somatoPro, somsanit, tetramethylene-1,4-diol, tetramethylene glycol, thunder nectar, vita-G, water, weight belt cleaner, wolfies, zonked.

Background

1,4-Butanediol is a colorless, thick liquid that is converted into gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) after ingestion. GHB is a strong sedative that is often used as a date-rape drug because it is easily concealed in water due to a lack of smell and taste.
GHB is a metabolite of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and has been linked to cases of dependence, coma, and death. GBL (gamma-butyrolactone), a solvent commonly used as a paint stripper, is another precursor for GHB. 1,4-Butanediol itself is used as an industrial chemical to make some plastics and fibers.
GHB, GBL, and 1,4-butanediol are prevalent drugs of abuse in the United States. While available as a prescription drug for sleep disorders in some other countries, GHB was banned in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1990 because of the dangers associated with its use. It has since been approved only for the treatment of a rare form of narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that result in excessive daytime sleepiness). In Europe, GHB has been used as an anesthetic and experimentally to treat alcohol withdrawal.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for butanediol or gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Traditionally, doses of 0.25-1 grams of butanediol have been used for stimulating the release of growth hormone, for muscle growth, and for treating insomnia. For narcolepsy, 3 grams of GHB has been taken twice nightly, four hours apart.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Butanediol may enhance the effects of alcohol, leading to further intoxication.
Butanediol and/or gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) may enhance the effects of narcotic pain relievers, such as morphine, anesthetics, antipsychotic drugs, antianxiety drugs, and sedatives.
Butanediol and/or GHB may interfere with the effects of drugs used to treat/prevent seizures and stimulants.
Antiretroviral drugs may inhibit the metabolism of GHB. Therefore, if taken together, a serious reaction may occur.
Butanediol may have serious adverse effects when taken together with skeletal muscle relaxants.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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