Indication and Common Adverse

Drug name Mechanism of action Nursing Responsibilities

Contraindication Effects

Brand name: Pentothal
Generic name: Thiopental
Dosage: IV 25 to 75 mg;
observe for 60 se.
Route : IV
Classification: Barbiturate
Depresses the CNS to INDICATION:
produce hypnosis and  Sole anesthesia for brief
anesthesia without (15 min) procedures; for
analgesia. induction of anesthesia
prior to administration to
anesthetic agents; to
suplement regional
anesthesia
CONTRAINDICATION:
 Absence of suitable
veins; status asthmaticus;
porphyria
>Drowsiness; tolerance,
dependence, withdrawal
effects including seizures.
Before Administration:
> Inform the patient that medication will
decrease mental recall of the procedure.
> Aseptic technique is essential.
> Advice patients to request assistance
prior to ambulation and transfer to avoid
driving or any kind of activities that
requires
alertness until response to medication is
known.
During Administration:
> Continuously assess the patient's
pressure readings
> Assess the pulmonary status to
accurately interpret his clinical status.
> Check the laboratory values, fluid
balance.

After Administration:
> Instruct patient to notify health care
provider of any signs of hypersensitivity
to barbiturates.
> Inform patient to avoid alcohol or
other CNS depressants for 24 hrs.
> Advise patient that drug can continue
to impair abilities for 24 h following
administration and caution patient to
avoid driving or performing other tasks
requiring mental alertness.

Source:
>http://www.nursing-nurse.com/drug-study-midazolam-175/
>http://www.drugs.com/ppa/thiopental-sodium.html
> http://www.scribd.com/doc/4916247/Drugs-OR
>MIMS 105th edition(2005)
>Karch, Amy M., Focus on Nursing Pharmacology, 4th edition (2008), Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, page 436