methohexital

Generic Name: methohexital (METH oh HEX i tal)

Brand Names: Brevital Sodium

What is methohexital?

Methohexital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates (bar-BIT-chur-ates). Methohexital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.

Methohexital is used to make you fall asleep before a surgery or other medical procedure. It is usually given in combination with other types of anesthesia.

Methohexital may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about methohexital?

You should not receive this medication if you have porphyria, or if you have ever had any complications from general anesthesia.

Before receiving methohexital, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a seizure disorder, asthma or COPD, anemia, an endocrine disorder, liver disease, high or low blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, or circulation problems.

Tell your doctor about all medications you use, especially phenytoin (Dilantin), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), or steroids such as prednisone, fluticasone (Advair), mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) and others.

Methohexital can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving for 8 to 12 hours after receiving methohexital, or doing anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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

Avoid drinking alcohol just after receiving methohexital.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving methohexital?

You should not receive this medication if you have porphyria, or if you have ever had any complications from general anesthesia.

Be sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to methohexital or any other barbiturates such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton).

Before receiving methohexital, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

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  epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

  
  


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  asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

  
  


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  anemia (lack of red blood cells);

  
  


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  an endocrine disorder;

  
  


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  liver disease;

  
  


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  high or low blood pressure;

  
  


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  heart disease, congestive heart failure; or

  
  


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  problems with circulation.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need dose adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Methohexital may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is methohexital given?

Methohexital is given as an injection into a muscle or a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Methohexital should make you fall asleep very quickly.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving methohexital. 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 methohexital.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since methohexital is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Because methohexital is given by a healthcare professional under controlled conditions, it is not likely that you will receive an overdose of this medication.

What should I avoid after receiving methohexital?

Methohexital can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving for 8 to 12 hours after receiving methohexital, or doing anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol just after receiving methohexital.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any other restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you have received methohexital.

Methohexital side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  severe burning or swelling where the medicine was injected;

  
  


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  seizure (convulsions);

  
  


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  numbness or tingly feeling;

  
  


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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  fast heart rate;

  
  


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  weak or shallow breathing; or

  
  


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

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  drowsiness;

  
  


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  nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

  
  


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  chills or shivering;

  
  


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  coughing, hiccups;

  
  


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  muscle twitching; or

  
  


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  mild skin rash or itching.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Methohexital Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Anesthesia:

Induction of anesthesia:
A 1% solution is administered intravenously at a rate of about 1 mL/5 seconds. Gaseous anesthetics and/or skeletal muscle relaxants may be administered concomitantly. The dose required for induction may range from 50 to 120 mg or more but averages about 70 mg. The usual dosage in adults ranges from 1 to 1.5 mg/kg. The induction dose usually provides anesthesia for 5 to 7 minutes.
Maintenance of anesthesia:
Maintenance of anesthesia may be accomplished by intermittent injections of the 1% solution or by continuous intravenous infusion of a 0.2% solution. Intermittent injections of about 20 to 40 mg may be given as required, usually every 4 to 7 minutes. For continuous infusion, the average rate of administration is about 3 mL of a 0.2% solution/minute. The rate of flow must be individualized for each patient. For longer surgical procedures, gradual reduction in the rate of administration is recommended. Other parenteral agents, usually narcotic analgesics, are ordinarily employed along with methohexital during longer procedures.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anesthesia:

For induction of anesthesia:
1 month or older:

Intramuscular: 6.6 to 10 mg/kg using a 5% solution.
Rectal: 25 mg/kg using a 1% solution.

What other drugs will affect methohexital?

The following drugs can interact with methohexital. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

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  phenytoin (Dilantin);

  
  


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  a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or

  
  


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  steroids such as prednisone, fluticasone (Advair), mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) and others.

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with methohexital. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More methohexital resources

• Methohexital Side Effects (in more detail)
• Methohexital Dosage
• Methohexital Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Methohexital Drug Interactions
• Methohexital Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Methohexital - Add your own review/rating

• Methohexital MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Brevital Sodium Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare methohexital with other medications

• Anesthesia
• Anesthetic Adjunct

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about methohexital.

See also: methohexital side effects (in more detail)