View the Full List of Prescription Drugs
Pentobarbital
What is Pentobarbital?
Pentobarbital is a barbiturate that is used primarily to control seizures in epileptic patients as well as provide sedation for patients.
Important information:
Pentobarbital is a Class II scheduled narcotic. It can cause significant respiratory and cardiac depression in patients who are taking other medications or who have taken too much. Pentobarbital carries a risk of dependency and should not be discontinued abruptly as withdrawal symptoms may be exhibited.
Before taking this medicine:
Pentobarbital causes significant dizziness and sleepiness. Caution should be used when taking this medication to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery as well as participating in activities that require alertness. Do not consume alcohol or other depressant medications while taking pentobarbital and do not discontinue use without notifying your physician.
How should I take Pentobarbital?
Pentobarbital can be taken orally or given as an intramuscular or intravenous injection. Take only as prescribed by a physician.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take medication at your next scheduled dose. Do not take the missed dose in addition to the next dose as significant respiratory and cardiovascular depression may result.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact emergency medical services immediately.
What should I avoid while taking Pentobarbital?
Driving and other activities requiring alertness.
Pentobarbital side effects:
Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, delirium, excitation, and vertigo. Patients also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and low blood pressure. Severe side effects include laryngospasm, angioedema, and serum sickness, which may be fatal if left untreated.
Pentobarbital dosing information:
By Mouth: 150-200 mg per dose.
By Injection: Up to 100 mg per dose
What other drugs will affect Pentobarbital?
Avoid taking any CNS depressant medications including alcohol, opioid pain medications, and antihistamines. Can lower the effectiveness of oral birth control medications, some antibiotics, some tricyclic antidepressant medications and corticosteroids. taking MAOIs and/or valproic acid and divalproex can increase sedation with taking pentobarbital.
