Thiopental is no longer available in the United States.
Thiopental is a medication that's used as an anesthetic to cause drowsiness or sleep before certain medical procedures or surgeries. It may also be used to control seizures or to reduce intracranial pressure (pressure within the skull). Thiopental is a type of medication called a barbiturate, and it works by depressing the central nervous system. It's given as an injection, most often by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic. The dose you're given will depend on the purpose for which you're using it, as well as your overall medical condition. Healthcare professionals will slowly administer this medication through an intravenous injection. They'll carefully monitor your condition while you're on Thiopental because it's possible to overdose, which may have harmful side effects. Thiopental is the generic name for the active ingredient found in name-brand products such as Pentothal, but generic versions of this medication are not available. Talk to your doctor to determine whether Thiopental is right for you.
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