tiomebumal sodium

Tiomebumal sodium is a short-acting thiobarbiturate derivative primarily used for the induction of general anesthesia. It functions as a positive allosteric modulator of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor complex. By binding to an allosteric site, it increases the duration of chloride channel opening in response to GABA, leading to neuronal hyperpolarization and profound central nervous system depression. Chemically, it is the sodium salt of 5-ethyl-5-(1-methylpropyl)-2-thiobarbituric acid. While its clinical use in humans has largely been superseded by newer anesthetics like propofol, it remains a standard agent in laboratory research (often under the name Inactin) due to its ability to provide stable, long-lasting anesthesia in animal models with relatively preserved cardiovascular and respiratory function. Odense University Hospital has historically been associated with its clinical application and evaluation in Denmark.

Brand names

InactinBrevinarcon

Other names

thiobutobarbital sodiumtiomebumalum natricum5-ethyl-5-(1-methylpropyl)-2-thiobarbiturate sodium