Brevital Sodium

Generic name: methohexital [ METH-oh-HEX-i-tal ]
Drug class: General anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Brevital Sodium?

Brevital Sodium is a barbiturate (bar-BIT-chur-ate) that is used to cause you to fall asleep before a surgery or other medical procedure.

Brevital Sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Brevital Sodium side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• severe burning or swelling where the medicine was injected;

• fast heartbeats;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• muscle twitching; or

• confusion, anxiety, or restless feeling when coming out of anesthesia.

Common side effects of Brevital Sodium may include:

• drowsiness;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• chills or shivering;

• coughing, hiccups; or

• itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Avoid driving or operating machinery for 8 to 12 hours after you awake from anesthesia.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Brevital Sodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or

• an allergy to other barbiturates (butabarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

• liver or kidney disease;

• anemia (lack of red blood cells);

• an endocrine disorder;

• high or low blood pressure;

• heart disease, congestive heart failure; or

• circulation problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Anesthesia may affect brain development in a young child or unborn baby (when used in the mother), leading to learning or behavior problems later in life. Long surgeries or repeated procedures pose the highest risks.

Anesthesia may still be necessary for a life-threatening condition, medical emergency, or surgery to correct a birth defect. Your doctor can give inform you about all medicines given during a surgery or procedure.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Brevital Sodium.

How is Brevital Sodium given?

Brevital Sodium is injected into a muscle or a vein. This medication is also given rectally when used in young children.

A healthcare provider will give you this medicine.

Tell your medical caregivers if you feel any burning or pain when Brevital Sodium is injected.

Brevital Sodium should make you fall asleep very quickly.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely. You will also be watched closely while you are coming out of the anesthesia.

Drowsiness may last for several hours. You will need someone to drive you home from after you receive Brevital Sodium.

Related/similar drugs

lidocaine, fentanyl, ketamine, hydromorphone, hyoscyamine, propofol, glycopyrrolate, Stadol, butorphanol

What happens if I miss a dose?

Brevital Sodium is used as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving Brevital Sodium?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery for 8 to 12 hours after you awake from anesthesia.

Avoid drinking alcohol for a short time after receiving Brevital Sodium. Dangerous side effects could occur.

What other drugs will affect Brevital Sodium?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• phenytoin or other seizure medications;

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

• steroid medicine--prednisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Brevital Sodium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.01.