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Methohexital

Generic name: methohexital [ METH-oh-HEX-i-tal ]
Brand name: Brevital Sodium
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (500 mg), intravenous solution (100 mg/10 mL)
Drug class: General anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is methohexital?

Methohexital is a barbiturate (bar-BIT-chur-ate) that is used to cause you to fall asleep before a surgery or other medical procedure.

Methohexital may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Methohexital 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.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

Common side effects of methohexital may include:

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.

Warnings

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

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with methohexital if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Anesthesia 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.

Anesthesia may still be necessary for a life-threatening condition, medical emergency, or surgery to correct a birth defect. Your doctor can give inform you about all medicines given during a surgery or procedure.

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

How is methohexital given?

Methohexital is injected into a muscle or a vein. This medication is also given rectally when used in young children.

A healthcare provider will give you this medicine.

Tell 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 watched closely. You will also be watched closely while you are coming out of the anesthesia.

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

Methohexital dosing information

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% solution

Uses: 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Methohexital is used as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving methohexital?

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

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

What other drugs will affect methohexital?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.