Last reviewed · How we verify
Sodium Oxybate (SMO)
Sodium oxybate is a central nervous system depressant that acts as a GABA-B receptor agonist and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) precursor to promote sleep and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness.
Sodium oxybate is a central nervous system depressant that acts as a GABA-B receptor agonist and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) precursor to promote sleep and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. Used for Narcolepsy with cataplexy, Excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Sodium Oxybate (SMO) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Gamma-hydroxy butyrate (GHB) |
| Sponsor | Catholic University of the Sacred Heart |
| Drug class | GABA-B receptor agonist; CNS depressant |
| Target | GABA-B receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts on GABA-B receptors in the central nervous system. It enhances slow-wave sleep architecture and reduces cataplexy and daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy patients. The drug also has effects on sleep-wake cycle regulation through multiple CNS pathways.
Approved indications
- Narcolepsy with cataplexy
- Excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Tremor
- Confusion
- Enuresis
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Sodium Oxybate (SMO) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Sodium Oxybate (SMO) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart portfolio CI