Pentobarbital Sodium
Generic Name: pentobarbital sodium
Brand Names:
Pentobarbital Sodium
DESCRIPTION The barbiturates are nonselective central nervous system depressants which are primarily used as sedative hypnotics and also anticonvulsants in subhypnotic doses. The barbiturates and their sodium salts are subject to control under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (See " Drug Abuse and Dependence " section). The sodium salts of amobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, and secobarbital are available as sterile parenteral solutions.
Overview
DESCRIPTION The barbiturates are nonselective central nervous system depressants which are primarily used as sedative hypnotics and also anticonvulsants in subhypnotic doses. The barbiturates and their sodium salts are subject to control under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (See " Drug Abuse and Dependence " section). The sodium salts of amobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, and secobarbital are available as sterile parenteral solutions.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Parenteral Sedatives. Hypnotics, for the short-term treatment of insomnia, since they appear to lose their effectiveness for sleep induction and sleep maintenance after 2 weeks (See " Clinical Pharmacology " section). Preanesthetics. Anticonvulsant, in anesthetic doses, in the emergency control of certain acute convulsive episodes, e.g., those associated with status epilepticus, cholera, eclampsia, meningitis, tetanus, and toxic reactions to strychnine or local anesthetics.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dosages of barbiturates must be individualized with full knowledge of their particular characteristics and recommended rate of administration. Factors of consideration are the patient's age, weight, and condition. Parenteral routes should be used only when oral administration is impossible or impractical. Intramuscular Administration IM injection of the sodium salts of barbiturates should be made deeply into a large muscle, and a volume of 5 mL should not be exceeded at any one site because of possible tissue irritation. After IM injection of a hypnotic dose, the patient's vital signs should be monitored.
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions and their incidence were compiled from surveillance of thousands of hospitalized patients. Because such patients may be less aware of certain of the milder adverse effects of barbiturates, the incidence of these reactions may be somewhat higher in fully ambulatory patients. More than 1 in 100 patients. The most common adverse reaction estimated to occur at a rate of 1 to 3 patients per 100 is: Nervous System: Somnolence. Less than 1 in 100 patients.
Interactions
Drug interactions Most reports of clinically significant drug interactions occurring with the barbiturates have involved phenobarbital. However, the application of these data to other barbiturates appears valid and warrants serial blood level determinations of the relevant drugs when there are multiple therapies. Anticoagulants: Phenobarbital lowers the plasma levels of dicumarol (name previously used: bishydroxycoumarin) and causes a decrease in anticoagulant activity as measured by the prothrombin time. Barbiturates can induce hepatic microsomal enzymes resulting in increased metabolism and decreased anticoagulant response of oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, acenocoumarol, dicumarol, and phenprocoumon).
Warnings
WARNINGS Habit forming: Barbiturates may be habit forming. Tolerance, psychological and physical dependence may occur with continued use. (See " Drug Abuse and Dependence " and " Pharmacokinetics " sections). Patients who have psychological dependence on barbiturates may increase the dosage or decrease the dosage interval without consulting a physician and may subsequently develop a physical dependence on barbiturates. To minimize the possibility of overdosage or the development of dependence, the prescribing and dispensing of sedative-hypnotic barbiturates should be limited to the amount required for the interval until the next appointment. Abrupt cessation after prolonged use in the dependent person may result in withdrawal symptoms, including delirium, convulsions, and possibly death. CONTRAINDICATIONS Barbiturates are contraindicated in patients with known barbiturate sensitivity. Barbiturates are also contraindicated in patients with a history of manifest or latent porphyria.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Teratogenic effects. See " Warnings - Use in Pregnancy " section Nonteratogenic effects. Reports of infants suffering from long-term barbiturate exposure in utero included the acute withdrawal syndrome of seizures and hyperirritability from birth to a delayed onset of up to 14 days. (See " Drug Abuse and Dependence " section).
Storage
HOW SUPPLIED Pentobarbital Sodium Injection, USP is available in the following sizes: 20-mL multiple-dose vial, 1000 mg per vial (NDC 24201-010-20); and 50-mL multiple-dose vial, 2500 mg per vial (NDC 24201-010-50).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pentobarbital Sodium used for?▼
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Parenteral Sedatives. Hypnotics, for the short-term treatment of insomnia, since they appear to lose their effectiveness for sleep induction and sleep maintenance after 2 weeks (See " Clinical Pharmacology " section). Preanesthetics. Anticonvulsant, in anesthetic doses, in the emergency control of certain acute convulsive episodes, e.g., those associated with status epilepticus, cholera, eclampsia, meningitis, tetanus, and toxic reactions to strychnine or local anesthetics.
What are the side effects of Pentobarbital Sodium?▼
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions and their incidence were compiled from surveillance of thousands of hospitalized patients. Because such patients may be less aware of certain of the milder adverse effects of barbiturates, the incidence of these reactions may be somewhat higher in fully ambulatory patients. More than 1 in 100 patients. The most common adverse reaction estimated to occur at a rate of 1 to 3 patients per 100 is: Nervous System: Somnolence. Less than 1 in 100 patients.
Can I take Pentobarbital Sodium during pregnancy?▼
Pregnancy Teratogenic effects. See " Warnings - Use in Pregnancy " section Nonteratogenic effects. Reports of infants suffering from long-term barbiturate exposure in utero included the acute withdrawal syndrome of seizures and hyperirritability from birth to a delayed onset of up to 14 days. (See " Drug Abuse and Dependence " section).
What are the important warnings for Pentobarbital Sodium?▼
WARNINGS Habit forming: Barbiturates may be habit forming. Tolerance, psychological and physical dependence may occur with continued use. (See " Drug Abuse and Dependence " and " Pharmacokinetics " sections). Patients who have psychological dependence on barbiturates may increase the dosage or decrease the dosage interval without consulting a physician and may subsequently develop a physical dependence on barbiturates. To minimize the possibility of overdosage or the development of dependence, the prescribing and dispensing of sedative-hypnotic barbiturates should be limited to the amount required for the interval until the next appointment. Abrupt cessation after prolonged use in the dependent person may result in withdrawal symptoms, including delirium, convulsions, and possibly death. CONTRAINDICATIONS Barbiturates are contraindicated in patients with known barbiturate sensitivity. Barbiturates are also contraindicated in patients with a history of manifest or latent porphyria.
Related Medications
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan Hbr, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride
acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hbr, phenylephrine hydrochloride
Purposes Pain reliever/Fever reducer Cough suppressant Nasal decongestant
Efavirenz, Emtricitabine And Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Non-Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor [EPC]
Fixed-dose combination antiretroviral indicated as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 40 kg.
Aesculus Hippocastanum, Bud, Agrimonia Eupatoria, Flos, Calc Fluorica, Calc Sulph, Ferrum Phos, Kali Sulph, Malus Pumila, Flos, Nat Mur, Silicea
aesculus hippocastanum, bud, agrimonia eupatoria, flos, calc fluorica, calc sulph, ferrum phos, kali sulph, malus pumila, flos, nat mur, silicea
Purpose Each dose contains equal parts of: Aesculus hippocastanum, bud (Chestnut Bud) 5X HPUS......acne Agrimonia eupatoria, flos (Agrimony) 5X HPUS...................nervous skin rashes Calc Fluorica 12X HPUS...................................................chaps and cracks on skin; dry skin; scars Ferrum Phos 12X HPUS...................................................skin affections; mild acne; pimples; bruises on skin Kali Sulph 6X HPUS........................................................
Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.