- Induction of anaesthesia (Adults):
- IV 100mg to 150mg administered over 10-15 seconds, normally as a 2.5% w/v solution (500mg in 20mL)
- A repeat dose of 100mg to 150mg may be given after 30-60 seconds OR
-
- IV 4mg/kg (Max 500mg)
-
-
- The average adult (70kg) dose: 200-300mg (8mL-12mL of a 2.5% w/v solution)
- Max: 500mg
-
- Induction of anaesthesia (Children 1 month-18 yrs):
- IV 2mg/kg to 7mg/kg administered over 10-15 seconds, normally as a 2.5% w/v solution.
- A repeat dose of 2- 7mg/kg may be given after one minute, titrated to response OR
-
- Initial dose: Up to 4mg/kg then 1mg/kg repeated as necessary
- Max: 7mg/kg
- Initial dose: Up to 4mg/kg then 1mg/kg repeated as necessary
- Adjunctive treatment to control convulsive disorders of various aetiology, including those caused by local anaesthetics:
- IV 75-125mg (3mL-5mL of a 2.5% w/v solution) given as soon as possible after the convulsion begins
- Further doses may be required to control convulsions following the use of a local anaesthetic
- Reduction of intracranial pressure if patients with raised intracranial pressure under controlled ventilation:
- Intermittent slow IV 1.5-3mg/kg, repeated as required.
- Injection:
- 500mg
- 1g
- Usually administered as a 2.5% w/v solution containing 500mg in 20mlL or as a 5% w/v solution containing 500mg in 10mL
- Reconstituted with water for injection
- Reconstituted solution should be stored between 2-80C in an upright position and discarded 7 hours after preparation
- NOT compatible with acid, acidic salts and solutions such as pethidine, morphine and promethazine.
- Anticoagulant therapy may be required to minimise the risk of thrombosis.
Barbiturate, ultra-short acting
It binds at a distinct binding site associated with a Cl– ionopore at the GABAA receptor, increasing the duration of time for which the Cl– ionopore is open. The post-synaptic inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus is, therefore, prolonged.
- Respiratory depression
- Myocardial depression
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Prolonged somnolence and recovery
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Bronchospasm
- Laryngospasm
- Shivering
- Hypersensitivity to components
- Respiratory obstruction
- Acute asthmatic attack
- Myotonic dystrophy
- Porphyria
- Circulatory failure
- Hypotension
- Diazoxide
- Zimelidine
- Opioid analgesics
- Aminophylline
- Midazolam
Drug Status
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Pregnancy | Use with caution |
| Breastfeeding | Contraindicated |
| Schedule | Controlled |
| BRAND NAME | STRENGTH | FORMULATION | PACK SIZE | MANUFACTURER | DISTRIBUTOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy’s Thiopental | 500mg | Injection | 1’s | Swiss Parenterals | Galaxy Pharma |
| Genisia | 500mg | Injection | 1’s | Square Pharma | Ace Pharma |
| Thiomed | 500mg | Injection | 1’s | Medisel Kenya | Medisel Kenya |
| Thiopental | 500mg | Injection | 1’s | Rotexmedica GMBH | Nairobi Pharma |
| Thiopental Sodium | 500mg | Injection | 1’s | Egyptian International C/O Surgilinks Ltd | Surgilinks Ltd |
| Thiosol | 500mg | Injection | 1’s | Neon Labs | Ripple Pharma |
| Thiosol | 1g | Injection | 1’s | Neon Labs | Ripple Pharma |
| Thiovita-H | 500mg | Injection | 1’s | Reddys Pharma | Reddys Pharma |
| Thioz | 500mg | Injection | 1’s | Makcur Labs | Zawadi Healthcare |
| Thipen | 500mg | Injection | 1’s | Samarth Life Sciences | Nairobi Enterprises |