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Brevital Sodium

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/9/2020
Brevital Sodium Patient Information Including Side Effects

Generic Name: methohexital

What is methohexital?

Methohexital is a barbiturate (bar-BIT-chur-ate). Methohexital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.

Methohexital is used to cause you to fall asleep before a surgery or other medical procedure.

Methohexital may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of methohexital?


Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

  • severe burning or swelling where the medicine was injected;
  • fast heartbeats;
  • numbness or tingly feeling;
  • weak or shallow breathing; or
  • confusion, anxiety, or restless feeling when coming out of anesthesia.


Common side effects may include:


What is the most important information I should know about methohexital?



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Brevital Sodium Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving methohexital?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to methohexital or other barbiturates (butabarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, and others), or if you have:


Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Anesthesia medicine may affect brain development in a child under 3, or an unborn baby whose mother receives this medicine during late pregnancy. These effects may be more likely when the anesthesia is used for 3 hours or longer, or used for repeated procedures. Effects on brain development could cause learning or behavior problems later in life.

Your doctor may decide to postpone a surgery or procedure based on these risks. Treatment may not be delayed in the case of life-threatening conditions, medical emergencies, or surgery needed to correct certain birth defects. Ask your doctor for information about all medicines that will be used during your surgery or procedure. Also ask how long the procedure will last.


How is methohexital given?

Methohexital is given as an injection into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. This medication is also given rectally when used in young children.

A healthcare provider will give you this medicine.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when methohexital is injected.

Methohexital should make you fall asleep very quickly.




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Brevital Sodium Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since methohexital is used as a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?


What should I avoid after receiving methohexital?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery for 8 to 12 hours after you awake from anesthesia.

Do not drink alcohol just after receiving methohexital. Dangerous side effects could occur.

What other drugs will affect methohexital?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect methohexital, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about methohexital.


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