Amobarbital

Generic name: Amobarbital [ am-oh-BAR-bi-tal ]
Brand name: Amytal Sodium
Drug class: Barbiturates

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 14, 2024.

Uses of Amobarbital:

• It is used to treat sleep problems.
• It is used to calm you before a procedure.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Amobarbital?

• If you have an allergy to amobarbital or any other part of amobarbital.
• If you are allergic to amobarbital; any part of amobarbital; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: A block in the airway, liver disease, or shortness of breath.
• If you have ever had porphyria.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with amobarbital.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take amobarbital with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Amobarbital?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take amobarbital. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until the effects of amobarbital wear off and you feel fully awake.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on amobarbital for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• Follow how to take amobarbital as you have been told by your doctor. Do not use more than you were told to use.
• Use amobarbital for short periods of time. If signs show up again, talk with the doctor.
• If you have been taking amobarbital on a regular basis and you stop it all of a sudden, you may have signs of withdrawal. Do not stop taking amobarbital all of a sudden without calling your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any bad effects.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking amobarbital.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
• If you are 65 or older, use amobarbital with care. You could have more side effects.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use some other kind of birth control also like a condom when taking amobarbital.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking amobarbital, call your doctor right away.
• Long-term use of amobarbital during pregnancy may cause dependence in the unborn baby or newborn. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Amobarbital) best taken?

Use amobarbital as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.
• Your doctor will give amobarbital.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• This medicine is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

Related/similar drugs

trazodone, hydroxyzine, lorazepam, promethazine, fentanyl, Ativan

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of depression, thoughts of suicide, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, thinking that is not normal, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
• Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
• Very bad irritation where the shot was given.
• This medicine may cause tissue damage if the drug leaks from the vein. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.

What are some other side effects of Amobarbital?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling sleepy.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Amobarbital?

• If you need to store amobarbital at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about amobarbital, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer