.Pharmacolibrary.Drugs.N_NervousSystem.N05C_HypnoticsAndSedatives.N05CA19_Thiopental.Thiopental

Information

Thiopental, also known as thiopental sodium or Pentothal, is a rapid-onset short-acting barbiturate used historically for induction of anesthesia and for short surgical procedures. It is now largely discontinued in clinical practice in many countries due to alternatives, but is still used in some settings and for veterinary anesthesia.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetic parameters reported in healthy adult volunteers following intravenous bolus administration.

References

1. Stanski, DR, & Maitre, PO (1990). Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of thiopental: the effect of age revisited. Anesthesiology 72(3) 412–422. DOI:10.1097/00000542-199003000-00003 PUBMED:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2310020

2. Huynh, F, et al., & Ensom, MH (2009). A critical review: does thiopental continuous infusion warrant therapeutic drug monitoring in the critical care population?. Therapeutic drug monitoring 31(2) 153–169. DOI:10.1097/FTD.0b013e318196fb9f PUBMED:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19177032

3. Eilers, H, & Niemann, C (2003). Clinically important drug interactions with intravenous anaesthetics in older patients. Drugs & aging 20(13) 969–980. DOI:10.2165/00002512-200320130-00002 PUBMED:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14561101

Revisions

• 06/2025 initial generated model