Pentothal Side Effects

Generic name: thiopental

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about thiopental. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Pentothal.

Applies to thiopental: intravenous powder for injection, rectal suspension.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking thiopental (the active ingredient contained in Pentothal) hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You will remain under constant supervision during treatment with thiopental. Your caregivers will watch for any serious side effects. Tell your caregivers at once if you have severe pain while receiving this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• ongoing drowsiness;

• weak or shallow breathing;

• slow heartbeats;

• chills or shivering;

• sneezing, coughing, tight feeling in your throat; or

• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to thiopental: intravenous powder for injection, rectal suspension.

Hypersensitivity

Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylactoid reactions (e.g., urticaria, bronchospasm, fall in blood pressure, angioedema)

Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions, hypersensitivity, anaphylactic shock^[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Pain at the administration site^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Involuntary movements, muscle tremor^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, anorexia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Unpleasant dream, euphoria, dysphoria^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Respiratory depression, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, coughing, snoring, sneezing^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Shivering

Frequency not reported: Malaise, fatigue^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, delayed wakening

Frequency not reported: Headache, confusion, dizziness, amnesia^[Ref]

Renal

Frequency not reported: Renal failure, polyuria (when high doses are used)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Heart arrhythmia, myocardia depression, hypotension, thrombosis, phlebitis

Frequency not reported: Tachycardia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Skin reactions^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer