Thiopental
Thiopental is a short-acting barbiturate used primarily as an induction agent for general anesthesia. It acts as a central nervous system depressant, producing rapid unconsciousness when administered intravenously. This medication has also been used for sedation and seizure control, though it has largely been replaced by newer agents in many clinical settings.
Thiopental is a barbiturate anesthetic used for rapid induction of general anesthesia and sedation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01AF03
- RxNorm
- 10493
- Generic
- Thiopental
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only when benefits clearly outweigh risks; consider alternative anesthetics
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only for essential surgical procedures; regional anesthesia preferred when possible
fetal heart rate monitoring during procedure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
commonly used for cesarean delivery anesthesia; avoid high doses close to delivery
fetal monitoring; assess neonatal respiration at birth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingtemporarily interrupt breastfeeding
thiopental excreted in breast milk; pump and discard milk for 24 hours after administration
observe infant for excessive sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatessignificant dose reduction required
use reduced doses based on weight; immature hepatic metabolism requires caution
close respiratory and cardiovascular monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants childrenweight-based dosing
commonly used for pediatric anesthesia induction; standard pediatric dosing protocols apply
standard pediatric anesthetic monitoring
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%
use reduced doses due to decreased clearance and increased sensitivity; slower induction and recovery
enhanced cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno significant adjustment needed
primarily hepatically metabolized; monitor for accumulation in prolonged use
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution; consider dose reduction
accumulation may occur with repeated dosing; extended recovery time possible
prolonged monitoring for sedation recovery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildmay require dose reduction
primarily metabolized in liver; monitor response carefully
close monitoring of sedation depth and recovery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severesignificant dose reduction required
substantial hepatic metabolism impairment; avoid or use very reduced doses; consider alternative agents
extended monitoring for recovery; assess liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information
Primarily used for induction of general anesthesia before surgical procedures. Also historically used for sedation in intensive care settings, management of elevated intracranial pressure, and control of certain seizure disorders.
Thiopental enhances the effect of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) at GABA-A receptors in the brain, increasing chloride ion influx into neurons and causing CNS depression. This results in rapid sedation and hypnosis.
Administered exclusively by intravenous injection by qualified healthcare professionals. Causes dose-dependent respiratory depression and hypotension. Contraindicated in patients with porphyria, severe cardiovascular impairment, or known barbiturate allergy. Requires careful monitoring during and after administration.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy