Thiopental

(Pentothal)

Anesthetic Agents

Thiopental is a fast-acting barbiturate used to start anesthesia smoothly and quickly. It has been largely replaced by propofol but remains important for specific cases like electroconvulsive therapy and controlling seizures in status epilepticus. Thiopental calms the brain, lowers its energy use, and reduces pressure inside the skull, making it helpful for brain injuries. It does not relieve pain and should not be used in patients with porphyria, a condition where it can trigger harmful enzyme activity.