Administer intravenously only by trained personnel. Dilute the powder with sterile water for injection or normal saline to a 2.5% or 5% solution. Administer slowly, monitoring vital signs.

Thiopental binds to GABA-A receptors, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA. It increases the duration of chloride channel opening, leading to hyperpolarization of neuronal membranes and decreased neuronal excitability, thus causing central nervous system depression.

• •Hypersensitivity to barbiturates or any component.
• •Porphyria (latent or manifest).
• •Severe respiratory obstruction or compromised airway.
• •Severe cardiovascular disease (e.g., severe hypotension, shock).
• •Status asthmaticus.

Store dry powder at controlled room temperature (20-25°C), protected from light. Reconstituted solutions should be stored refrigerated (2-8°C) and used within their specified shelf-life.

Symptoms: Severe respiratory depression, apnea, cardiovascular depression (hypotension, shock, cardiac arrest). Management: Maintain patent airway, assist ventilation, administer oxygen. Support cardiovascular function with IV fluids, vasopressors. Closely monitor vital signs. No specific antidote.

Pregnancy Category C/D (depending on source and duration of use). Crosses the placenta and may cause neonatal depression. Use with caution in pregnant women only if potential benefits outweigh risks. Excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding is generally not recommended for 24 hours after administration.