What is Nembutal Sodium (pentobarbital sodium injection)?
Nembutal Sodium is used short-term to treat insomnia, or to cause you to fall asleep for surgery.
Nembutal Sodium is also used as an emergency treatment for seizures.
Nembutal Sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Nembutal Sodium (injection)
Generic name: pentobarbital (injection) [ PEN-toe-BAR-bi-tal ] Drug class: Barbiturates
What is Nembutal Sodium?
Nembutal Sodium is used short-term to treat insomnia, or to cause you to fall asleep for surgery.
Nembutal Sodium is also used as an emergency treatment for seizures.
Nembutal Sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use phenobarbital if you have severe liver disease or a history of addiction to drugs similar to phenobarbital.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Nembutal Sodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a history of porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- temporary or chronic pain; or
- an addiction to phenobarbital or similar medicines.
Nembutal Sodium may harm an unborn baby. If you use Nembutal Sodium during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Phenobarbital can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.
Sedatives used during surgery 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.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed shortly after you receive Nembutal Sodium.
How is Nembutal Sodium given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Nembutal Sodium may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Nembutal Sodium is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will usually give you this injection.
You may be shown how to use Nembutal Sodium at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.
What should I avoid while using Nembutal Sodium?
Nembutal Sodium can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects can occur when alcohol is combined with Nembutal Sodium.
Nembutal Sodium side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Nembutal Sodium may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- confusion, agitation, hallucinations;
- weak or shallow breathing;
- slow heart rate, weak pulse; or
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Side effects such as confusion, depression, or excitement may be more likely in older adults and those who are ill or debilitated.
Common side effects of Nembutal Sodium may include:
- drowsiness, dizziness;
- loss of balance or coordination;
- nausea, vomiting, constipation;
- overactive reflexes;
- sleep problems (insomnia), nightmares; or
- feeling restless or excited (especially in children or older adults).
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