Description
Thiopental Sodium is used for:
Thiopental Sodium – Causing drowsiness or sleep before surgery or certain medical procedures. It is also used to stop seizures. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Thiopental is a barbiturate. It works by depressing the central nervous system, causing mild sedation or sleep, depending on the dose.
Do NOT use thiopental if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in thiopental
- you have the blood disease porphyria
- you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using thiopental:
Some medical conditions may interact with thiopental. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney or liver problems, lung or respiratory tract disease, heart problems, low blood pressure, adrenal gland problems (eg, Addison disease), asthma, myasthenia gravis, thyroid problems, or increased pressure in the brain
- if you have a history of substance abuse or dependence, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with thiopental. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), probenecid, or sodium oxybate (GHB) because side effects may be increased
- Aminophylline, beta-blockers (eg, atenolol), clozapine, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), doxycycline, estrogens (eg, micronized estradiol), griseofulvin, metronidazole, narcotic pain medicine (eg, codeine), oral contraceptives (birth control pills), phenytoin, quinidine, theophylline, valproic acid, or zimelidine because their effectiveness may be reduced by thiopental
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if thiopental may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use thiopental:
Use thiopental as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Thiopental is usually administered as an injection at your doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic.
- If thiopental contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
- If you miss a dose of thiopental, contact your doctor immediately.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use thiopental.