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

sachinkumar244
1 min read

Chemical Structure:

  • C11H17N2NaO2S

Chemical Structure
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.

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