Thiopental
| Thiopental_structure.png | |
Thiopental, also known as thiopentone, is a barbiturate that is used primarily as an anesthetic agent. It is a rapid-onset, short-acting intravenous anesthetic that is used for the induction of general anesthesia, for procedural sedation, and for the treatment of status epilepticus.
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Thiopental is a barbiturate that acts on the central nervous system to produce sedation and hypnosis. It works by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA_A receptor, which results in increased chloride ion influx and hyperpolarization of neurons, leading to CNS depression.
Pharmacokinetics[edit | edit source]
Thiopental is highly lipophilic, which allows it to rapidly cross the blood-brain barrier and exert its effects within seconds of intravenous administration. It is distributed widely throughout the body, with a high volume of distribution. The drug is metabolized in the liver by hepatic enzymes and is excreted primarily by the kidneys.
Pharmacodynamics[edit | edit source]
The onset of action of thiopental is rapid, occurring within 30-60 seconds after intravenous injection. The duration of action is short, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, due to rapid redistribution from the brain to other tissues. The elimination half-life of thiopental is approximately 11.5 hours, but its clinical effects are much shorter due to redistribution.
Clinical Uses[edit | edit source]
Thiopental is used in various clinical settings, including:
- Induction of anesthesia: Thiopental is used to induce general anesthesia before the administration of other anesthetic agents.
- Procedural sedation: It is used for short procedures that require sedation but not full anesthesia.
- Treatment of status epilepticus: Thiopental can be used to control seizures that do not respond to other treatments.
Adverse Effects[edit | edit source]
Common adverse effects of thiopental include:
Contraindications[edit | edit source]
Thiopental is contraindicated in patients with:
- Porphyria
- Severe asthma
- Hypersensitivity to barbiturates
History[edit | edit source]
Thiopental was first synthesized in 1934 by Ernest H. Volwiler and Donalee L. Tabern at Abbott Laboratories. It was introduced into clinical practice in 1935 and became widely used as an anesthetic agent.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
