Skip to main content

Nembutal Sodium Side Effects

Generic name: pentobarbital

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 22, 2024.

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

Applies to pentobarbital: parenteral solution for injection.

Warning

A standardized concentration for this drug has been established through Standardize 4 Safety (S4S), a national patient safety initiative to reduce medication errors, especially during transitions of care. The drug is included in a standard concentration list which may apply to an IV or oral compounded liquid formulation. For additional information, see the ASHP website [Web].

Side effects include:

Residual sedation, drowsiness, lethargy, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, headache.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to pentobarbital: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral elixir, rectal suppository.

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ataxia, central nervous system (CNS) depression, dizziness, hyperkinesia, syncope

Frequency not reported: Headache[Ref]

Psychiatric

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abnormal thinking, agitation, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, hallucination, nervousness, nightmares, psychiatric disturbance[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, nausea, vomiting[Ref]

Respiratory

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Apnea, hypoventilation[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bradycardia, hypotension[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Exfoliative dermatitis, skin rashes[Ref]

Hematologic

Megaloblastic anemia occurred with chronic phenobarbital use.[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Megaloblastic anemia[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Liver damage[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Fever[Ref]

Local

Frequency not reported: Injection site reactions[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Pentobarbital (pentobarbital). Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories. 2001;PROD.

2. Product Information. Nembutal Sodium (pentobarbital). Abbott Pharmaceutical. 2001;PROD.

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