1. A sedative and hypnotic drug formerly used to treat insomnia and anxiety, now largely discontinued due to safety concerns.
Usage: pharmaceutical; dated; medical

Examples

• Glutethimide was commonly prescribed in the 1960s and 1970s as a sleeping aid.
• The drug glutethimide carries risks of dependence and overdose.
• Doctors have largely replaced glutethimide with safer alternatives for treating insomnia.
• Glutethimide belongs to the class of glutarimide sedatives.
• The use of glutethimide has declined significantly in modern medical practice.