Methohexital



Brevital® Sodium







Methohexital

(meth oh HEKS i tal)

U.S. Brand Names
Brevital® Sodium
Canadian Brand Names
Brevital®
Pharmacologic Category
Barbiturate
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to an infant younger than 1 month of age.
  • If you have an allergy to methohexital or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have porphyria.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to put you to sleep for surgery.
How does it work?
  • Methohexital calms the brain.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have anemia, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision.
  • Itching.
  • Hiccups.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Shakiness.
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • For the occurrence of side effects.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Seizures.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: