Pentothal Signs, Symptoms and Side Effects
Recreational use of Pentothal is rare due to limited access to the drug.
Pentothal’s side effects are like those of nearly all anesthetic medications. Pentothal depresses respiratory and cardiovascular function. Hypotension (low blood pressure) and airway obstruction may also occur.
Pentothal should only be administered by a trained medical professional in a sterile hospital environment.
Pentothal used to be the go-to medication for reducing anxiety before administering general anesthesia. A newer barbiturate, propofol, has since replaced Pentothal. Doctors may still choose to use Pentothal depending on local availability of certain drugs. Pentothal remains popular as an induction agent during intubation and in uses in obstetrics.
Following intravenous injection, Pentothal reaches the brain and can cause unconsciousness within 30-45 seconds. Peak concentrations of 60% are achieved in this time. After five to ten minutes, concentrations in the brain are low enough for consciousness to return.
Pentothal is not used for general anesthesia because it induces unconsciousness for too long when given at higher doses. This is due to the slow elimination rate of Pentothal. Inhaled anesthetics are eliminated more quickly and are preferred. It can take between 11.5 and 26 hours for Pentothal to be eliminated by the body.
Potential contraindications to Pentothal use include liver disease, myxedema, hypotension, severe breathing disorders, heart disease, Addison’s disease, or a family history of porphyria. Physicians who choose to administer pentoxifylline with Pentothal increase the patient’s risk of suffering acute pulmonary edema. In rodent studies, the combination of these medications has resulted in increased pulmonary vascular permeability.
Pentothal has some chemical similarities to sulfa drugs but does not trigger reactions in people who are allergic to sulfa. For some patients, the injection of Pentothal can trigger an immediate smell of rotting onions or garlic.
Some individuals experience other, less common side effects. Some patients have a hypersensitivity to Pentothal or have other pre-existing risk factors that can make symptoms worse. These additional side effects can include urticaria, bronchospasm, vasodilation, edema, coughing, respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial depression. For patients with pre-existing conditions, Pentothal has, on rare occasions, induced immune hemolytic anemia with renal failure.
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Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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