Sodium thiopental

Sodium thiopental, also known as Pentothal, is a rapid-onset short-acting barbiturate general anesthetic that is an analogue of thiobarbital. Sodium thiopental was discovered in the early 1930s by Ernest H. Volwiler and Donalee L. Tabern, working for Abbott Laboratories. It has been used for the induction phase of general anesthesia, for sedation for short procedures, for neurosurgical use, and as a euthanasia drug.

History

Sodium thiopental was first synthesized in the 1930s by Ernest H. Volwiler and Donalee L. Tabern, who were working for Abbott Laboratories. It was introduced into clinical practice in the 1940s and has since been used widely in the field of anesthesia.

Medical uses

Sodium thiopental is used in the induction phase of general anesthesia. Its use has been largely replaced with that of propofol, but retains popularity as an induction agent for rapid sequence intubation and in obstetrics. It is also used for sedation for short procedures, for neurosurgical use, and as a euthanasia drug.

Side effects

Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, liver problems, and severe skin rashes.

Pharmacology

Sodium thiopental is a rapid-onset short-acting barbiturate general anesthetic. It is an analogue of thiobarbital and has similar anesthetic properties.

Society and culture

Sodium thiopental is a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States and is also listed under Schedule III of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. It is also used in some places for the execution of criminals, to induce a deep unconscious state.

See also

• Barbiturate
• General anesthesia
• Euthanasia drug

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  Chemical structure of Sodium thiopental

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  Ball and stick model of Sodium thiopental

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  Vintage package of Pentothal, known as truth serum