Administer intravenously slowly, generally into a large vein, to avoid local irritation and minimize respiratory depression. The solution should be freshly prepared.

Thiopental potentiates GABAergic inhibition by binding to the GABA-A receptor complex, thereby increasing the duration of chloride ion channel opening. This results in hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane and inhibition of neuronal activity.

• •Acute intermittent porphyria or variegate porphyria.
• •Known hypersensitivity to barbiturates.
• •Absence of suitable veins for intravenous administration.
• •Severe cardiovascular decompensation, severe respiratory depression, or status asthmaticus.

Store the unopened vial at controlled room temperature (20-25°C), protected from light. Reconstituted solution should be used promptly and stored as per manufacturer guidelines (usually 24 hours at room temperature or refrigerated).

Symptoms include severe respiratory depression, cardiovascular depression (hypotension, shock), prolonged coma, and areflexia. Management involves supportive care, maintaining a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and administration of vasopressors for hypotension.

Pregnancy Category C. Thiopental crosses the placenta and can cause fetal CNS depression. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. Excreted in breast milk; advise mothers to interrupt breastfeeding for 24 hours after administration.