Methohexital

Methohexital is a barbiturate that is used to help you fall asleep before a surgery or other medical procedure.

Methohexital may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Methohexital is injected into a muscle or a vein. This medication can also be given rectally for young children.

A healthcare provider will give you this medicine.

Inform your medical caregivers if you feel any burning or pain when methohexital is injected.

Methohexital should make you fall asleep very quickly.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be monitored closely. You will also be closely observed while you are waking up from the anesthesia.

Drowsiness may last for several hours. You will need someone to drive you home after you receive methohexital.

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

You should not receive methohexital 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), potentially 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 inform you about all medicines given during a surgery or procedure.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• severe burning or swelling where the medicine was injected;
• fast heartbeats;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• muscle twitching; or
• confusion, anxiety, or restless feeling when coming out of anesthesia.

Common side effects of methohexital may include:

• drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• chills or shivering;
• coughing, hiccups; or
• itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Anesthesia:

Induction of Anesthesia: -Administer 1 to 1.5 mg/kg of a 1% solution IV a rate of about 1 mL/5 seconds; gaseous anesthetics and/or skeletal muscle relaxants may be administered concomitantly. -The induction dose usually provides anesthesia for 5 to 7 minutes.Maintenance of Anesthesia: -Administer intermittent IV injections of 20 to 40 mg of the 1% solution every 4 to 7 minutes OR administer 3 mL of a 0.2% solution by continuous IV infusion per minute.-Individualize the rate of flow for each patient. -For longer surgical procedures, a gradual reduction in the rate of administration is recommended. -Other parenteral agents (e.g., narcotic analgesics) are usually used with this drug during longer procedures.Uses: -For IV induction of anesthesia prior to the use of other general anesthetic agents.-For IV induction of anesthesia and as an adjunct to subpotent inhalational anesthetic agents (e.g., nitrous oxide in oxygen) for short surgical procedures; this drug may be given by infusion or intermittent injection.-For use along with other parenteral agents, usually narcotic analgesics, to supplement subpotent inhalational anesthetic agents (e.g., nitrous oxide in oxygen) for longer surgical procedures.-As IV anesthesia for short surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures associated with minimal painful stimuli.-To induce a hypnotic state.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anesthesia:

One month or older:Induction of Anesthesia: IM: 6.6 to 10 mg/kg using a 5% solution Rectal: 25 mg/kg using a 1% solutionUses: Pediatric patients 1 month and older:-For IM or rectal induction of anesthesia prior to the use of other general anesthetic agents.-For IM or rectal induction of anesthesia and as an adjunct to subpotent inhalational anesthetic agents for short surgical procedures.-As IM or rectal anesthesia for short surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures associated with minimal painful stimuli.

Methohexital is given as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing plan.

In a medical setting, an overdose would be treated quickly.

This medication may affect your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery for 8 to 12 hours after you wake up from anesthesia.

Avoid drinking alcohol for a short time after receiving methohexital. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• phenytoin or other seizure medications;
• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
• steroid medicine--prednisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect methohexital, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.