Thiopental
Thiopental
Thiopental (pronounced: thye-oh-PEN-tal), also known as thiopentone in British English, is a rapid-onset short-acting barbiturate general anesthetic. It is an intravenous anesthetic agent used for the induction of general anesthesia and for sedation for short procedures.
Etymology
The term "Thiopental" is derived from the Greek words "theion" meaning sulfur, and "pentane" referring to the five carbon atoms in the molecule. The "-al" suffix indicates it is an aldehyde.
Usage
Thiopental is used in anesthesia for its rapid onset and short duration of action. It is also used in euthanasia and capital punishment by lethal injection. It is not used for maintaining anesthesia due to its short-acting nature.
Pharmacology
Thiopental is a barbiturate, a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. It works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA_A receptor, resulting in sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
Side Effects
Common side effects of thiopental include respiratory depression, hypotension, and allergic reactions. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance and physical dependence.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thiopental
- Wikipedia's article - Thiopental
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