Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Methohexital
Other Names: Brevital Solution for Injection, Methohexital Sodium Solution for Injection
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Methohexital Sodium Solution for Injection? (Back to top)
METHOHEXITAL is an anesthetic. It is used to cause relaxation and sleep before or during surgery. It does not relieve pain. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease
• liver disease
• porphyria
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to methohexital, other barbiturates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for infusion into a vein or injection into a muscle. This medicine can be diluted and prepared as an enema to be given rectally. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• St. John's wort
• voriconazole

• alcohol
• ethyl alcohol
• levodopa
• medicines for seizures like phenobarbital
• medicines for sleep
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
• narcotic medicines for pain
• propylene glycol
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• low blood pressure
• muscle twitch
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• pain at site where injected
• seizures

• anxietyor confusion
• coughing
• headache
• hiccups
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive for at least 8 to 12 hours after you are treated with this medicine. Do not use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:May 01, 2008

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