Amytal Sodium Dosage

Intramuscular Use-

Intramuscular injection of the sodium salts of barbiturates should be made deeply into a large muscle. The average IM dose ranges from 65 mg to 0.5 g. A volume of 5 mL (irrespective of concentration) should not be exceeded at any one site because of possible tissue irritation. Twenty percent solutions may be used so that a small volume can contain a large dose. After IM injection of a hypnotic dose, the patient’s vital signs should be monitored. Superficial IM or subcutaneous injections may be painful and may produce sterile abscesses or sloughs.

Intravenous Use-

Intravenous (IV) injection is restricted to conditions in which other routes are not feasible, either because the patient is unconscious (as in cerebral hemorrhage, eclampsia, or status epilepticus), because the patient resists (as in delirium), or because prompt action is imperative. Slow IV injection is essential, and patients should be carefully observed during administration. This requires that blood pressure, respiration, and cardiac function be maintained, vital signs be recorded and equipment for resuscitation and artificial ventilation be available. The rate of IV injection for adults should not exceed 50 mg/min to prevent sleep or sudden respiratory depression. The final dosage is determined to a great extent by the patient’s reaction to the slow administration of the drug.

Adults:
a. Sedative: 30 to 50 mg given 2 or 3 times daily.
b. Hypnotic: 65 to 200 mg at bedtime.

Special Patient Population-

Dosage should be reduced in the elderly or debilitated because these patients may be more sensitive to barbiturates. Dosage should be reduced for patients with impaired renal function or hepatic disease. Ordinarily, an IV dose of 65 mg to 0.5 g may be given to a child 6 to 12 years of age.