Methohexital Sodium, Injection meth-oh-HEKS-ih-tal SOH-dee-um

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anesthesia

Generic and brand names: methohexital sodium, injection; Brevital Sodium

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection to cause anesthesia (alone or with other drugs), to create a hypnotic state (deep sleep).

What should my healthcare provider know before I receive this medicine?

Before receiving this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to anesthesia in the past or if you are allergic to any medicines
• anemia or problems with blood levels of iron
• heart or blood vessel problems
• high or low blood pressure
• liver or kidney problems
• lung problems such as asthma
• porphyria (nerve pain or sensitivity to sunlight)
• seizures
• thyroid problems

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is usually given by healthcare providers who specialize in anesthesia. It may also be given by dental surgeons or regular surgeons for short-term anesthesia. Any precautions involved in the use of these drugs will be taken by the healthcare provider administering them.

What should I watch out for?

General anesthesia may make you feel tired or weak for a few days after you receive it. You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert. This usually takes at least 24 hours after you receive this medicine.

Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after receiving this medicine.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Extreme tiredness or weakness; vomit that is black or bloody; severe headache; yellow skin or eyes; muscle twitching; seizures; irregular heartbeat; pain or swelling where you got the injection.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, restlessness, runny nose, sneezing, hiccups, coughing, shivering or trembling, unusual dreams.

What products might interact with this medicine?

Any drug interactions will be considered by your healthcare provider before giving you the anesthesia. Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, especially:

• antiseizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin)
• barbiturates such as butabarbital (Butisol), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and phenobarbital
• medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• corticosteroids such as betamethasone (Celestone), cortisone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone (Florinef), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone, A-HydroCort), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone, prednisolone, and triamcinolone (Aristospan, Kenalog)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.