ANSWERS: 1
  • Sodium pentathol is an anesthetic drug that causes depressed respiratory and cardiac function, and potential airway obstruction. Side effects include headache, nausea, delirium, prolonged periods of sleep, and water in the lungs.

    Effects

    Like all major anesthetics, sodium pentathol depresses the respiratory system and can result in death if not administered correctly by a medical professional.

    Function

    Sodium pentathol belongs to the barbiturate family and is used mostly as a fast-acting anesthetic for surgery. It is also used experimentally in small doses to treat anxiety, and in some states in the U.S. to euthanize prisoners sentenced to die by lethal injection.

    Warning

    Sodium pentathol can easily cause death when administered incorrectly. It is often used for assisted suicide because of its capacity to induce sleep quickly, followed by coma and painless death.

    History

    Sodium pentathol was used in World War II and at Pearl Harbor because of its portability and fast-acting anesthetic effects. It is also known popularly as "truth serum" because in small doses it loosens inhibitions, allowing people to reveal what they normally would keep to themselves.

    Considerations

    Sodium pentathol causes death easily and so should only be used by licensed physicians, medical professionals, and anesthesiologists. When administered correctly, side effects are mild, but more serious risks are always present.

    Source:

    Co-administration of pentoxifylline and thiopental

    ADMINISTRATION AND COMPOUNDING

    The executioner's drug- sodium thiopental

    More Information:

    Thiopentone anaesthesia at Pearl Harbor

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