Nembutal Sodium (injection)
Generic name:pentobarbital (injection) [ PEN-toe-BAR-bi-tal ]
Drug class:Barbiturates
What is Nembutal Sodium?
Nembutal Sodium is used short-term to treat insomnia, or to cause you to fall asleep for surgery.
Nembutal Sodium is also used as an emergency treatment for seizures.
Nembutal Sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use phenobarbital if you have severe liver disease or a history of addiction to drugs similar to phenobarbital.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Nembutal Sodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
a history of porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease;
kidney disease;
temporary or chronic pain; or
an addiction to phenobarbital or similar medicines.
Nembutal Sodium may harm an unborn baby. If you use Nembutal Sodium during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Phenobarbital can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.
Sedatives used during surgery may affect brain development in a young child or unborn baby (when used in the mother), leading to learning or behavior problems later in life. Long surgeries or repeated procedures pose the highest risks.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed shortly after you receive Nembutal Sodium.
How is Nembutal Sodium given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Nembutal Sodium may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Nembutal Sodium is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will us...
