Methohexital Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2024.
Applies to methohexital: injectable powder for injection, intravenous solution.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Avoid driving or operating machinery for 8 to 12 hours after you awake from anesthesia.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:
-
severe burning or swelling where the medicine was injected;
-
fast heartbeats;
-
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
-
muscle twitching; or
-
confusion, anxiety, or restless feeling when coming out of anesthesia.
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For healthcare professionals
Applies to methohexital: injectable powder for injection, intravenous powder for injection, intravenous solution.
Cardiovascular adverse events
- Frequency not reported: Circulatory depression, hypotension, tachycardia, peripheral vascular collapse, convulsions (associated with cardiorespiratory arrest)[Ref]
Respiratory
- Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression (including apnea), cardiorespiratory arrest, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, hiccups, dyspnea, rhinitis[Ref]
Nervous system
Psychiatric
- Frequency not reported: Emergence delirium, restlessness, and anxiety (especially in the presence of postoperative pain)[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, salivation[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylaxis[Ref]
Hepatic
- Frequency not reported: Liver function tests abnormal[Ref]
Local
- Frequency not reported: Injection site pain[Ref]
Hematologic
- Frequency not reported: Thrombophlebitis[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Frequency not reported: Skeletal muscle hyperactivity (twitching)[Ref]
Dermatologic
References
1. (2011) "Product Information. Brevital Sodium (methohexital)." Par Pharmaceutical Inc
More about methohexital
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (2)
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: general anesthetics
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Methohexital side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.