thiopental

Thiopental is a short-acting barbiturate used primarily for the induction of general anesthesia, control of convulsions, and reduction of intracranial pressure. It is administered intravenously and acts as an ultrashort-acting depressant of the central nervous system. Thiopental induces hypnosis and anesthesia within 30 to 40 seconds but does not provide analgesia or significant muscle relaxation. Its mechanism involves binding to a distinct site on the Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA receptor) complex at the chloride ion channel (Cl- ionophore), increasing the duration that this channel remains open in response to GABA. This potentiates inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS, particularly affecting the cerebral cortex and reticular formation[1][5][6]. Thiopental was originally developed by Abbott Laboratories in the 1930s[6]. It has been widely used for rapid sequence induction prior to other anesthetic agents or procedures requiring brief anesthesia with minimal painful stimuli. The drug also possesses anticonvulsant properties and can be used for neuroprotection during certain neurosurgical procedures due to its ability to decrease cerebral metabolic oxygen requirements and intracranial pressure[1][5].

Brand names

Pentothal

Other names

sodium pentothalthiopentone sodium