BREVITAL SODIUM

Drug Name: BREVITAL SODIUM

BREVITAL SODIUM DESCRIPTION:
METHOHEXITAL - INJECTION (meth-oh-HEX-ih-tall)

COMMON BREVITAL SODIUM BRAND NAME(S):
Brevital

BREVITAL SODIUM SIDE EFFECTS:
Pain and redness at the injection site, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or shivering may occur after the use of BREVITAL SODIUM. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: burning sensation at the site of injection, changes in skin appearance; mental/mood changes; severe pain or redness in the leg; hiccups, cough, skeletal muscle twitching, seizures, low blood pressure; fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: unusual weakness, dark urine, yellowing eyes, change in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to BREVITAL SODIUM is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE BREVITAL SODIUM:
BREVITAL SODIUM: BREVITAL SODIUM is given by vein (IV injection or continuous infusion) under physician supervision. Your response will be monitored continuously as you receive this medication. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Learn all mixing, dilution and administration/usage instructions in the product package and follow all safety precautions. Consult your pharmacist for details. Use BREVITAL SODIUM exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because BREVITAL SODIUM can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using BREVITAL SODIUM without your doctor's approval. The liquid should be checked for particles or discoloration. If either are present, discard the liquid. Make sure needles and medical supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

BREVITAL SODIUM USES:
This barbiturate medication is used, either alone or with other drugs, for anesthesia.

BREVITAL SODIUM PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies especially to barbiturates (e.g. phenobarbital); blood problems (e.g., porphyria, anemia); asthma or other lung conditions (e.g., COPD); circulation or heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure); kidney or liver problems; thyroid conditions (e.g., hypothyroidism); alcohol use; low or high blood pressure; seizures, neuromuscular disease (e.g., myasthenia gravis). After surgery, you should not drive or perform tasks requiring alertness for 8 to 12 hours. Avoid alcohol intake for 24 hours after BREVITAL SODIUM is used. It may intensify drug side effects (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness). Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. BREVITAL SODIUM passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

BREVITAL SODIUM DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: other barbiturates, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin); other drugs for anesthesia (e.g., halothane); corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). Tell your doctor if you use drugs causing drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers; anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam); narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine); psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants; certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

BREVITAL SODIUM OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, slowed breathing, lightheadedness, muscle twitching, and seizures.

BREVITAL SODIUM NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED BREVITAL SODIUM DOSE:
If the dose is interrupted, contact the doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish new dosing.

BREVITAL SODIUM STORAGE:
Store the vials at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. After the powder is mixed with sterile water for injection, it can be stored for 6 weeks at room temperature below 77 degrees F. If the powder is mixed with other correct IV liquids, it can be stored at room temperature and must be used within 24 hours. Consult your pharmacist for details.