Methohexital
Brand names: Brevital®
Chemical formula:
- Español:
- Inyección de metohexital
Methohexital injection
What is methohexital injection?
METHOHEXITAL (Brevital®) helps to produce relaxation, deep sleep or loss of consciousness before and during surgery. It does not relieve pain. Methohexital may be supplemented by other medicines to produce the type of anesthesia (loss of sensation) required. Generic methohexital injections are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• Addison's disease
• a history of seizures or convulsions
• an alcohol or drug abuse problem
• anemia, or low blood iron
• asthma or other breathing difficulties, such as sleep apnea; lung disease
• attempted suicide
• heart or vein disease
• high or low blood pressure
• liver or kidney disease
• low blood pressure
• mental depression or other mental health issues; thoughts of suicide
• neuromuscular disease, such as muscular dystrophy or myasthenia gravis
• porphyria
• thyroid problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to thiopental, other barbiturates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Methohexital is for injection into a vein. It is given by a trained health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.What drug(s) may interact with methohexital?
• alcohol
• herbal products, including St. John's wort
• insulin
• magnesium sulfate
• medicines for anxiety and sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for depression
• medicines for colds, breathing difficulties, or weight loss
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking methohexital?
The effects of methohexital generally wear off in a few hours. However, methohexital can affect your ability to drive or do anything that needs mental alertness. Do not attempt to drive yourself home if you have received methohexital for minor outpatient surgery. You may feel dizzy and lightheaded. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit up or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy, avoid alcoholic drinks for at least 24 hours after you receive methohexital.
What side effects may I notice from receiving methohexital?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• coughing or hiccups
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
• muscle twitching
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• pain or swelling at the injection site
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash, itching (hives)
• swelling of the face, lips or eyelids
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• anxiety, confusion, hallucinations
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• shivering or trembling
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
