Sodium pentothal, also known as thiopental sodium, is a molecule discovered in the 1930s. It is used to induce anesthesia and as part of the drug cocktail used for lethal injections. It belongs to a class of drugs called barbiturates that depress the central nervous system to slow down brain and nervous system activity and cause drowsiness, sleep or coma, depending on the dose. Side effects can occur while using sodium pentothal and high doses can be deadly.
Side Effects
The most common, least serious side effects of sodium pentothal include dizziness or lightheadedness, clumsiness, coughing, sneezing and hiccups. More serious side effects may include an allergic reaction to the medication, abnormal heartbeat, fever, hallucinations and slowed breathing, according to Drugs.com. Seek medical attention if severe side effects occur. Sodium pentothal may also be habit forming, leading to addiction and dependence when taken in high doses or for longer than a few weeks.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory System
As a central nervous system depressant, sodium pentothal can slow down the actions of the cardiovascular and respiratory system. This can lead to a variety of adverse effects, such as low blood pressure, apnea or sudden pauses in breathing and airway obstruction. It may also cause abnormal heart rhythms and myocardial depression, both of which affect the normal functioning of the heart. Other effects on the respiratory system may include abnormal and uncontrolled muscle contractions or spasms of the bronchioles -- small airways in the lungs -- and the vocal cords, which can impair breathing and speaking, according to Drugs.com.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Sodium pentothal is classified as a pregnancy category C drug by the Food and Drug Administration. Drugs in this class have not been studied in humans, but animal studies have shown that the drug can harm the fetus, suggesting possible harm to human fetuses, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Sodium pentothal also readily passes through the breast milk and may cause harm to the baby in breastfeeding mothers. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should speak with a doctor before using sodium pentothal.
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