Medical

gamma-butyrolactone

Also found in: Dictionary, Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

γ-butyrolactone

Industrial solvent and purported health additive. Precursor in the synthesis of γ-hydroxybutyric acid.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

gamma-butyrolactone

(găm′ə-byo͞o′tə-rə-lăk′tōn′)
n. Abbr. GBL
A chemical that has many industrial uses, especially as a solvent. It is a chemical precursor to gamma-hydroxybutyrate and is ingested illegally for its euphoriant and sedative effects.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

gam·ma-bu·ty·ro·lac·tone

(GBL) (gam'ă-byū'tir-ō-lak'tōn)
An industrial and household solvent that is readily metabolized after oral ingestion to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Like GHB, it is marketed illicitly as a euphoriant, appetite suppressant, antidepressant, and sleep aid. It is more potent than GHB and has both a more rapid onset and a longer duration of action, but its pharmacologic and toxic properties are essentially the same: nausea, bradycardia, and central nervous system depression ranging from drowsiness and confusion to seizures, coma, and death. Dependency and severe withdrawal symptoms have been reported.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
Mentioned in
References in periodicals archive
The illicit home synthesis from gamma-butyrolactone and sodium hydroxide, sold together in kits, has been the source of numerous cases of GHB overdose (Henretig et al.
Forensic science update: gamma-gydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Mum Maryon Stewart wants an inquiry into why gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) has not been banned in Britain.
Mum: Ban party drug; WORLDTODAY
Det Insp Andy Hawkins said: "We believe the controlled substance Gamma-Butyrolactone, or GBL, may have been used as a drug at the gathering." A spokesman for drugs charity FRANK said: "GBL is a dangerous drug with sedative and anaesthetic effects that can produce feelings of euphoria and can cause drowsiness.
50p 'COMA IN A BOTTLE' DRUG KILLS TWO PALS; NEW LEGAL HIGH PERIL
Police said a postmortem has yet to be held but added: "We believe that controlled substance gamma-butyrolactone, or GBL, may have been used as a drug at the gathering at the address."
Woman, 28, dies at drug death wake; PROBE
GBL - gamma-butyrolactone - will be classified as a Class C drug.
Deadly GBL set for ban; LEGISLATION
Gold dust (cocaine) Grass(weed) Green (ketamine) GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) GBL is a dangerous drug with sedative effects, also known as 'coma in a bottle'.
A -Z; Your essential guide to what they are.. and what they could be doing to YOUR children
Ganja (weed) Gear (heroin) Glass (crystal meth) Gold dust (cocaine) Grass(weed) Green (ketamine) GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) GBL is a dangerous drug with sedative effects, also known as 'coma in a bottle'.
A-Z; Your essential guide to what they are.. and what they could be doing to YOUR children
There were at least four ambulance cars lined up and loading people in the back." GBL, or Gamma-Butyrolactone, is used by some partygoers to achieve a legal high.
RAVE DRUG KNOCKS OUT 7 ADULTS AT KIDS' PARTY; Paramedics called in GBL scare
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.