Methohexital
Also known as: Brevital, Brevimytal, Brietal
Methohexital is a fast-acting anesthetic used exclusively in the hospital setting to induce sleep before surgery or short procedures. - **Rapid Action**: It works within seconds, allowing the veterinary team to quickly secure your pet's airway. - **Recovery**: Some pets, especially dogs, may experience a "rough recovery" (tremors, excitement, or vocalization) as they wake up. The veterinary team will monitor them closely and may use other medications to smooth this process. - **Safety**: Your pet's heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure will be continuously monitored while under the effects of this medication.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Induction or sole anesthetic in non-premedicated cats
- Induction or sole anesthetic in premedicated cats
- Induction with premedication
- Induction or sole anesthetic in non-premedicated dogs
- Induction or sole anesthetic in premedicated dogs
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Apnea
- Hypotension
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures during recovery
- Rough recoveries (especially in dogs)
- Profound respiratory depression
- Tissue necrosis (if extravasated)
Cautions & contraindications
- Absence of suitable veins for IV administration
- History of hypersensitivity reactions to barbiturates
- Status asthmaticus
- Cattle (due to unpredictable effects)
- > **WARNING**: Strictly for IV use. Perivascular extravasation causes severe tissue necrosis. Extravasation injuries can be treated with multiple infiltrates of sterile normal saline and lidocaine for pain. - **Relative Contraindications**: Seizure-prone animals, severe cardiovascular disease, preexisting ventricular arrhythmias, shock, increased intracranial pressure, myasthenia gravis, asthma, and conditions with prolonged hypnotic effects (e.g., severe hepatic disease, myxedema, severe anemia). - **Species Warnings**: NOT recommended for use in cattle due to unpredictable effects. - **Administration**: Repeated dosing or IV infusions are not recommended as recovery times can be significantly prolonged and increase the risk for complications.
Drug interactions
- CNS Depressants (e.g., alpha2-agonists, opioids): Additive CNS and respiratory depression; premedication is usually preferred to reduce methohexital dosage required for inductions and to decrease rough recoveries.
Frequently asked questions
What is Methohexital used for in pets?
Methohexital is a fast-acting anesthetic used exclusively in the hospital setting to induce sleep before surgery or short procedures. - **Rapid Action**: It works within seconds, allowing the veterinary team to quickly secure your pet's airway. - **Recovery**: Some pets, especially dogs, may experience a "rough recovery" (tremors, excitement, or vocalization) as they wake up. The veterinary team will monitor them closely and may use other medications to smooth this process. - **Safety**: Your pet's heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure will be continuously monitored while under the effects of this medication.
Is Methohexital safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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