Overview

1,4-Butanediol is a chemical. It's used as a source of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a recreational drug with euphoric and sedative effects.

1,4-Butanediol is converted to GHB in the body. GHB slows down the brain, which can cause loss of consciousness along with dangerous slowing of breathing and other vital functions.

People use 1,4-Butanediol for muscle strength, obesity, insomnia, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. It is also unsafe.

Don't confuse 1,4-butanediol with GHB or Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL). These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for 1,4-BUTANEDIOL overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: 1,4-Butanediol is unsafe. It has been linked with very serious side effects, including trouble breathing, tremors, hallucinations, and death.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: 1,4-Butanediol is unsafe. It has been linked with very serious side effects, including trouble breathing, tremors, hallucinations, and death. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: 1,4-Butanediol is unsafe. Don't use it.

Slow heart rate (bradycardia): Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a chemical that is formed when the body breaks down 1,4-butanediol. GHB can slow the heart and may make bradycardia worse in people who have this condition.

Epilepsy: GHB is a chemical that is formed when the body breaks down 1,4-butanediol. GHB can cause seizures and might make epilepsy worse.

Surgery: 1,4-Butanediol can slow down the central nervous system (CNS). Anesthesia and some other medications used during surgery have the same effect. Using 1,4-butanediol along with these other medications might slow down the CNS too much. Stop using 1,4-butanediol at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

A rare disorder called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency: People with this condition are at a greater risk for serious adverse reactions from 1,4-butanediol. Do not use 1,4-butanediol if you have this condition.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Alcohol (Ethanol) interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    Alcohol can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking 1,4-butanediol along with alcohol increases the sleepiness and drowsiness caused by alcohol. Do not take 1,4-butanediol if you have been drinking.

  • Medications for pain (Narcotic drugs) interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    Some medications for pain can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking 1,4-butanediol along with some medications for pain increases the sleepiness and drowsiness caused by these medicationss. Do not take 1,4-butanediol if you are taking medications for pain.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    1,4-Butanediol might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking 1,4-Butanediol with sedative medications can cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Amphetamines interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    Amphetamines are drugs that can speed up your nervous system. 1,4-Butanediol is changed in the body to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB can slow down your nervous system. Taking 1,4-butanediol along with amphetamines can lead to serious side effects.

  • Medications used to prevent seizures (Anticonvulsants) interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    1,4-Butanediol may increase the risk of seizures. Taking 1,4-Butanediol may decrease the effects of medications used to prevent seizures and increase the risk of seizures.

  • Naloxone (Narcan) interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    1,4-Butanediol is changed by the body to another chemical called GHB. GHB can affect the brain. Taking naloxone along with 1,4-butanediol might decrease the effects of 1,4-butanediol and GHB on the brain.

  • Ritonavir (Norvir) interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    Ritonavir might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of 1,4-butanediol. This could cause serious side effects.

  • Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase) interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    Saquinavir might decrease how fast the body gets rid of 1,4-butanediol. This could cause serious side effects.

  • Divalproex sodium (Depakote) interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    1,4-Butanediol is changed in the body to GHB. Taking divalproex sodium at the same time as 1,4-butanediol might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GHB. This could cause serious side effects.

  • Topiramate (Topamax) interacts with 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

    1,4-Butanediol is changed in the body to GHB. Taking topiramate at the same time as 1,4-butanediol might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GHB. This could cause serious side effects.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of 1,4-Butanediol might be. 1,4-Butanediol is also unsafe. Speak with your healthcare provider before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.