Methohexital

Methohexital (generic INN), with the trade names Brevital and Bietal, amongst others, is a barbiturate known as a rapid-acting CNS depressant drug rapid onset inducng anesthesia; efficacy rapid onset of action and its short duration of action has drawn resemblance to sodium thiopental. It is similar in its effects to sodium thiopental, a drug it competed with in the market for anesthetics. Methohexital binds to a distinct site which is associated with Cl ionophores at GABAA receptors. This increases the length of time which the Cl ionopores are open, causing an inhibitory effect. Metabolism of methohexital is primarily hepatic via demethylation and side-chain oxidation. Methohexital is primarily used to induce anesthesia, and is generally provided as a sodium salt (e.g., methohexital sodium). It is only used in hospital or similar settings, under strict supervision. It has been commonly used to induce deep sedation or general anesthesia for surgery and dental procedures. Unlike many other barbiturates, methohexital actually lowers the seizure threshold, a property that makes it particularly useful when anesthesia is provided for an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Its rapid recovery rate with consciousness being gained within three to seven minutes after induction and full recovery within 30 minutes is a major advantage over other ECT barbiturates.