Side effects associated with Brevital Sodium (methohexital sodium for injection) are extensions of pharmacologic effects and include:

Cardiovascular- Circulatory depression, thrombophlebitis, hypotension, tachycardia, peripheral vascular collapse, and convulsions in association with cardiorespiratory arrest

Respiratory-Respiratory depression (including apnea), cardiorespiratory arrest, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, hiccups, and dyspnea

Neurologic-Skeletal muscle hyperactivity (twitching), injury to nerves adjacent to injection site, and seizures

Psychiatric-Emergence delirium, restlessness, and anxiety may occur, especially in the presence of postoperative pain

Gastrointestinal-Nausea, emesis, abdominal pain, and liver function tests abnormal

Allergic-Erythema, pruritus, urticaria, and cases of anaphylaxis have been reported rarely

Other-Other adverse reactions include pain at injection site, salivation, headache, and rhinitis

Drug Abuse And Dependence

Controlled Substance-Brevital Sodium (methohexital sodium for injection) is a Schedule IV drug.

Brevital Sodium (methohexital sodium for injection) may be habit-forming.

Read the Brevital Sodium (methohexital sodium for injection) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

Prior chronic administration of barbiturates or phenytoin (e. g. for seizure disorder) appears to reduce the effectiveness of Brevital Sodium (methohexital sodium for injection) . Barbiturates may influence the metabolism of other concomitantly used drugs, such as phentyoin, halothane, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, ethyl alcohol, and propylene glycol-containing solutions.

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/14/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.