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What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving methohexital (Brevital Sodium)?

You should not receive this medication if you have porphyria, or if you have ever had any complications from general anesthesia.

Be sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to methohexital or any other barbiturates such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton).

Before receiving methohexital, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• anemia (lack of red blood cells);
• an endocrine disorder;
• liver disease;
• high or low blood pressure;
• heart disease, congestive heart failure; or
• problems with circulation.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need dose adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Methohexital may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is methohexital given (Brevital Sodium)?

Methohexital is given as an injection into a muscle or a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Methohexital should make you fall asleep very quickly.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving methohexital. You will also be watched closely while you are coming out of the anesthesia.

Drowsiness may last for several hours. You will need someone to drive you home from after you receive methohexital.

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