Thiopental sodium meaning

Thiopental sodium is a type of anesthetic used for inducing anesthesia and sedation in medical procedures.


Thiopental sodium definitions

Word backwards latnepoiht muidos
Part of speech Thiopental sodium is a noun, specifically a compound noun referring to a type of medication.
Syllabic division thi-o-pen-tal so-di-um
Plural The plural of thiopental sodium is thiopental sodiums.
Total letters 16
Vogais (5) i,o,e,a,u
Consonants (8) t,h,p,n,l,s,d,m

Thiopental sodium, also known as sodium thiopental, is a medication used in hospitals for general anesthesia and sedation. It belongs to the class of medications known as barbiturates, which act as central nervous system depressants. Thiopental sodium is primarily used to induce anesthesia for various medical procedures and to provide sedation for patients in intensive care units.

Chemical Properties

Thiopental sodium is a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. It has a pH of around 10.5 in its powder form and is usually combined with sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH for clinical use. This medication is administered intravenously and has a rapid onset of action, making it ideal for inducing anesthesia quickly.

Medical Uses

Thiopental sodium is commonly used for the induction of anesthesia before surgery or other medical procedures. It is also used in critical care settings to provide sedation for patients requiring mechanical ventilation or experiencing seizures. Additionally, thiopental sodium may be used to manage increased intracranial pressure in certain neurological conditions.

Side Effects

Like all medications, thiopental sodium can cause side effects. Common side effects may include respiratory depression, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, thiopental sodium can lead to more serious side effects such as seizures, cardiac arrest, or paradoxical reactions. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor patients closely when administering thiopental sodium to mitigate these risks.

Thiopental sodium has a long history of use in clinical practice and continues to be an important medication for anesthesia and sedation. Despite its widespread use, healthcare providers must use thiopental sodium cautiously due to its potential for side effects and adverse reactions.

Overall, thiopental sodium plays a crucial role in modern medicine as a reliable anesthetic agent for a variety of medical procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety during surgical interventions and critical care management.


Thiopental sodium Examples

  1. Thiopental sodium is commonly used as an anesthetic during surgical procedures.
  2. A lethal injection may contain thiopental sodium as one of the components.
  3. Veterinarians sometimes use thiopental sodium to induce general anesthesia in animals.
  4. Thiopental sodium can be administered intravenously to induce a rapid onset of anesthesia.
  5. In some countries, thiopental sodium is used for euthanasia of animals.
  6. Thiopental sodium is a barbiturate drug that acts as a CNS depressant.
  7. An overdose of thiopental sodium can result in respiratory depression or coma.
  8. Thiopental sodium is sometimes used in the treatment of refractory status epilepticus.
  9. Hospitals may keep thiopental sodium on hand for emergency medical situations.
  10. Thiopental sodium is classified as an ultra-short-acting barbiturate.


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  • Updated 25/04/2024 - 02:15:01