Thiopental Sodium: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

Chemical Structure:

• C11H17N2NaO2S

Chemical Structure

Mechanism of Action:

• GABAergic Enhancement: Thiopental potentiates the effect of GABA, leading to increased chloride ion influx and neuron hyperpolarization.

• Central Nervous System Depression: Causes a decrease in cerebral metabolic rate and cerebral blood flow, leading to anesthesia.

Uses:

• Anesthesia Induction: Widely used for the rapid induction of anesthesia due to its fast onset.

• Neuroprotection: Used in reducing cerebral metabolism in instances of brain ischemia or during neurosurgery.

• Status Epilepticus: Can be used in the treatment of refractory status epilepticus.

Side Effects:

• Respiratory Depression: Can induce apnea and suppress respiratory reflexes.

• Cardiovascular Effects: Hypotension due to vasodilation; arrhythmias may also occur.

• Injection Site Reactions: Pain and thrombophlebitis are common at the injection site.

• Cerebral Effects: Can increase intracranial pressure, especially when used in high doses.