Thiopental
PENTOTHAL
What it isUltra-short-acting barbiturate; induction of anesthesia and raised intracranial pressure.
Why this oneIt reduces cerebral metabolic rate more than any other induction agent.
What limits itHypotension and apnea; it accumulates on repeated dosing. No longer marketed in the US.
FDA-approved for
- induction of anesthesia (1934)
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskHypotension and apnea; accumulation on repeat dosing
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Mechanism of action: Thiopental ballicule
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Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
barbs → barbiturate