Name: Thiopental (Pentothal)
Class: General Anesthetic (IV Induction Agent)
Mechanism:
Absorption: IV ® rapid onset of effect.
Dist.: Dissolves in blood. Organs w/high perfusion are most affected.
Metabolism.: Hepatic Metabolism.
Excretion, t½: Rapidly diffuses out of brain and redistributes to other tissues (1° terminator of action) ® short duration of effect. But long t½.
Toxicity/S.E.s: Dose-dependent CV depression. Mod. resp. depression.
Utility: Induces general anesthesia.
Special Features: No analgesia. Still one of most common agents used.