pentobarbital

pentobarbital /pen·to·bar·bi·tal/ (pen″to-bahr´bĭ-tal) a short- to intermediate-acting barbiturate; the sodium salt is used as a hypnotic and sedative, usually presurgery, and as an anticonvulsant.

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pentobarbital

[pen′təbär′bitol]

a sedative and hypnotic.

indications It is prescribed as a preoperative sedative, to induce coma during treatment of increased intracranial pressure, and to abort status epilepticus unresponsive to other medications.

contraindications Porphyria or known hypersensitivity to this drug or to other barbiturates prohibits its use. It is used with caution in patients with impaired respiratory or liver function or a history of dependence on sedative or hypnotic drugs.

adverse effects Among the more serious adverse reactions are respiratory or circulatory depression, paradoxical excitement, jaundice, or various hypersensitivity reactions. Nausea and hangover-like symptoms may occur.

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pentobarbital, pentobarbitone

a short- to intermediate-acting barbiturate; used as a hypnotic and sedative in the form of the sodium salt. Nembutal—the sodium salt.

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pentobarbital

A short-acting barbiturate. See Barbiturate.