Brevital Sodium

Generic name:methohexital [ METH-oh-HEX-i-tal ]
Drug class:General anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 19, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Brevital Sodium?

Brevital Sodium is a barbiturate (bar-BIT-chur-ate) that is used to cause you to fall asleep before a surgery or other medical procedure.

Brevital Sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Avoid driving or operating machinery for 8 to 12 hours after you awake from anesthesia.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Brevital Sodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or

• an allergy to other barbiturates (butabarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

• liver or kidney disease;

• anemia (lack of red blood cells);

• an endocrine disorder;

• high or low blood pressure;

• heart disease, congestive heart failure; or

• circulation problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Anesthesia may affect brain development in a young child or unborn baby (when used in the mother), leading to learning or behavior problems later in life. Long surgeries or repeated procedures pose the highest risks.

Anesthesia may still be necessary for a life-threatening condition, medical emergency, or surgery to correct a birth defect. Your doctor can give inform you about all medicines given during a surgery or procedure.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Brevital Sodium.

How is Brevital Sodium given?

Brevital Sodium is injected into a muscle or a vein. This medication is also given rectally when used in young children.

A healthcare provider will give you this medicine.

Tell your medical caregivers if you feel any burning or pain when Brevital Sodium is injected.