In which of the following disorders, administration of barbiturates is contraindicated: (A) Anxiety disorders, (B) Acute intermittent porphyria, (C) Kernicterus, (D) Refractory status epilepticus
Answer is B. Barbiturates induce the rate-limiting enzyme δ-amino clavulanic acid synthase' in porphyrin synthesis. This increased synthesis of porphyrins can precipitate an acute attack of AIP.