Thiopental
PENTOTHAL
“Pen too tall (on) Thigh opener”
barbs → barbiturate
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
Defining liabilityAbrupt respiratory depression and cardiovascular collapse