Brand names: Brevital®
Chemical formula:
Methohexital Sodium Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
METHOHEXITAL is an anesthetic. It is used to cause relaxation and sleep before or during surgery. It does not relieve pain.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart disease
• liver disease
• porphyria
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to methohexital, other barbiturates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein or injection into a muscle. This medicine can be diluted and prepared as an enema to be given rectally. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• St. John's wort
• voriconazole
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
• alcohol
• ethyl alcohol
• levodopa
• medicines for seizures like phenobarbital
• medicines for sleep
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
• narcotic medicines for pain
• propylene glycol
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive for at least 8 to 12 hours after you are treated with this medicine. Do not use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• low blood pressure
• muscle twitch
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• pain at site where injected
• seizures
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• anxietyor confusion
• coughing
• headache
• hiccups
• nausea, vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
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.
