Pentobarbital Injection

What is this medication?

PENTOBARBITAL (pen toe BAR bi tal) treats seizures. It may also be used to cause drowsiness, including before a procedure. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nembutal

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Depression
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
• Porphyria
• Substance use disorder
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• An unusual or allergic reaction to pentobarbital, other barbiturates, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection into a muscle or a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Voriconazole

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
• Cyclosporine
• Doxycycline
• Estrogen or progestin hormones
• Griseofulvin
• Imatinib
• Kava kava
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
• Medications for seizures
• Medications for sleep
• Muscle relaxants
• Opioid medications for pain
• Other barbiturates
• Primidone
• Quinidine
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
• Valerian
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

You may develop tolerance to the medication. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medication for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take the medication for a long time.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medication. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a medication for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medication. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

The use of this medication may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medication. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your care team right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.