Pentobarbital Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 10, 2024.

Applies to pentobarbital: parenteral solution for injection.

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 adverse events

• 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

• Frequency not reported: Megaloblastic anemia^[Ref]

Megaloblastic anemia occurred with chronic phenobarbital use.^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Liver damage^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fever^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Injection site reactions^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Pentobarbital 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.

Medical Disclaimer