pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Introduction

Tradename: Nembutal. DEA-controlled substance: class 2.

Indications

• sedation (sedative/hypnotic)
• high doses used for treatment of cerebral hypoxia
• increased intracranial pressure
• seizures, status epilepticus*
• general anesthesia*
• tetanus

* endotracheal intubation & mechanical ventilation

Dosage

30-150 mg PO/IV/IM/PR TID/QID

Pediatrics: 2-6 mg/kg/day.

Tabs: 50 & 100 mg.

Suppositories: 30, 60, 120, 200 mg.

Adverse effects

• CNS depression
• confusion
• drowsiness
• ataxia
• coma
• respiratory depression
• shock
• urticaria
• tolerance & physical dependence

• drug adverse effects of psychotropic agents
• drug adverse effects of sedatives

Drug interactions

• coadministration of valproic acid may increase barbiturate concentrations

• drug interaction(s) of gabapentinoid with psychotropic agent

Laboratory

• specimen:
  • serum, plasma (heparin, EDTA)
  • stable refrigerated or frozen
• methods: GLC, GC-MS, HPLC, EIA
• interferences: EIA: secobarbital, phenobarbital
• labs with Loincs
  • pentobarbital in specimen
    • pentobarbital in hair
    • pentobarbital in tissue
    • pentobarbital in body fluid
      • pentobarbital in gastric fluid
      • pentobarbital in saliva
      • pentobarbital in serum/plasma/blood
        • pentobarbital in blood
        • pentobarbital in serum/plasma
      • pentobarbital in stool
      • pentobarbital in meconium
      • pentobarbital in urine

More general terms

• sedative/hypnotic (tranquilizer)

Component of

• pentobarbital/phenytoin
• belladonna alkaloid/caffeine/ergotamine/pentobarbital
• caffeine/ergotamine/pentobarbital (Cafergot PB)

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=4737
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=5982
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=88982
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=66994
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=656845
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=88980
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=18738