Pentobarbital

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used as a calming agent or as a short-term sleeping agent.

How does it work?

• Pentobarbital slows the brain. It causes you to be calm and sleepy.

How is it best taken?

• A liquid (elixir) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Can give elixir with water, milk, or juice.
• Take 30-60 minutes before bedtime for sleep. Do not take for more than 2 weeks. It loses its effect.
• Use suppository rectally.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• When taken for sleep may be on an as needed basis.
• If used for sleep, it is taken on an as needed basis.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. You could feel sleepy and shaky.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake.
• Make sure you have enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Talk to nutritionist.
• Tell healthcare provider if you have lung disease. You may be very sensitive to this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling tired and sleepy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Unable to think clearly or concentrate on an activity; recent memory loss.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Changes in balance, feeling shaky or unsteady.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Difficulty breathing.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store capsules and elixir at room temperature.
• Store suppositories in a refrigerator.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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