Specimen Information

Type

Red, Plain

Volume

3.0 ml

Transport Info

Centrifuge and immediately transfer serum to separate plastic tube
Refrigerated

Fasting Required?

False

Clinical Significance

Detect use
Evaluate therapeutic effect or possible toxicity
Pentobarbital (pentobarbitone, Nembutal®) is a short-acting barbiturate derivative first prepared in 1930. The drug is available alone and in combination with other agents in amounts of 15-200 mg for oral, intramuscular, or rectal administration. It is supplied as the racemic mixture in the form of both the free acid and the sodium salt, the latter being strongly alkaline in aqueous solution. Repeated intravenous doses of pentobarbital, usually 100-200 mg every 30-60 minutes, have been used to reduce intracranial pressure and lower cerebral oxygen demand in patients with severe head trauma, Reye's syndrome, or anoxic brain damage. The doses are adjusted to maintain the plasma drug level at 25-40 mg/L, and therapy may continue for up to several weeks.