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PENTOBARBITAL (pen toe BAR bi tal) treats seizures. It may be used to cause drowsiness before a procedure. It can also be used to help you go to sleep faster. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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This medication is for injection into a muscle or a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
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.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Voriconazole
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Alcohol
-Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
-Cyclosporine
-Doxycycline
-Estrogen or progestin hormones
-Griseofulvin
-Imatinib
-Kava kava
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-Medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
-Medications for seizures
-Medications for sleep
-Muscle relaxants
-Opioid medications for pain
-Other barbiturates
-Primidone
-Quinidine
-Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
-Valerian
-Warfarin
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.
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Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
You may develop tolerance to the medication. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medication for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take the medication for a long time.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medication. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a medication for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medication. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication 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 medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
The use of this medication may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medication. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your care team right away.
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This does not apply.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Confusion
-Dizziness
-Drowsiness
-Headache
-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.
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This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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