Pentobarbital
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Pentobarbital
(pen-toe- BAR-bih-tal)
Pregnancy Category: D Nembutal (C-II) (Rx)
Pentobarbital sodium
Pentobarbital Sodium (Nembutal Sodium)
Pentobarbital
(pen-toe- BAR-bih-tal)
Pregnancy Category: D Nembutal Sodium Nova-Rectal Novo-Pentobarb (C-II) (Rx)

Classification: Sedative-hypnotic, barbiturate type

See Also: See also Barbiturates .

Action/Kinetics: Short-acting. t 1/2: 19-34 hr. Is 60%-70% protein bound.

Uses: PO: Sedative. Short-term treatment of insomnia (no more than 2 weeks). Preanesthetic. Rectal: Sedation, short-term treatment of insomnia (no more than 2 weeks). Parenteral: Short-term treatment of insomnia (no more than 2 weeks). Preanesthetic. Anticonvulsant in anesthetic doses for emergency treatment of acute convulsive states (e.g., status epilepticus, eclampsia, meningitis, tetanus, and toxic reactions to strychnine or local anesthetics). Investigational: Parenterally to induce coma to protect the brain from ischemia and increased ICP following stroke and head trauma.

Special Concerns: Reduce dose in geriatric and debilitated clients and in impaired hepatic or renal function.

How Supplied: Pentobarbital: Elixir: 18.2 mg/5 mL. Pentobarbital sodium: Capsule: 50 mg, 100 mg; Injection: 50 mg/mL; Suppository: 30 mg, 60 mg, 120 mg, 200 mg

Dosage
•Capsules Sedation.
Adults: 20 mg t.i.d.-q.i.d. Pediatric: 2-6 mg/kg/day, depending on age, weight, and degree of sedation desired.
Preoperative sedation.
Adults: 100 mg. Pediatric: 2-6 mg/kg/day (maximum of 100 mg), depending on age, weight, and degree of sedation desired.
Hypnotic.
Adults: 100 mg at bedtime.
•Suppositories, Rectal Hypnotic.
Adults: 120-200 mg at bedtime; infants, 2-12 months (4.5-9 kg): 30 mg; 1-4 years (9-18.2 kg): 30 or 60 mg; 5-12 years (18.2-36.4 kg): 60 mg; 12-14 years (36.4-50 kg): 60 or 120 mg.
•IM Hypnotic/preoperative sedation.
Adults: 150-200 mg; pediatric: 2-6 mg/kg (not to exceed 100 mg).
Anticonvulsant.
Pediatric, initially: 50 mg; then, after 1 min, additional small doses may be given, if needed, until the desired effect is achieved.
•IV Sedative/hypnotic.
Adults: 100 mg followed in 1 min by additional small doses, if required, up to a total of 500 mg.
Anticonvulsant.
Adults, initial: 100 mg; then, after 1 min, additional small doses may be given, if needed, up to a total of 500 mg. Pediatric, initially: 50 mg; then, after 1 min, additional small doses may be given, if needed, until the desired effect is achieved.