GHB

Medical abbreviation · Drug

GHB
Stands forGamma-hydroxybutyrate
CategoriesMedical

GHB stands for Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, a drug abbreviation.

Central nervous system depressant that occurs naturally in small amounts in the brain and is used illicitly as a club drug. In pharmaceutical form, as sodium oxybate (Xyrem) and related products, it treats cataplexy and daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy.

Example: Found unresponsive, GCS 6, suspected GHB; woke abruptly 3 hours later.

Usage notes

Because of its sedative effects and use in drug-facilitated sexual assault, GHB is Schedule I, while FDA-approved oxybate products are Schedule III under a restricted REMS program. Overdose causes deep coma with sudden awakening, and combining it with alcohol greatly increases the risk of breathing problems.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.