Thiopental

Also known as thiopentone

Trade name

Omegapharm Thiopental

Presentation and preparation

Vial size
(powder volume)
Fluid to add
Volume to add
Resulting concentration
470 mg
(negligible)
Water for injections 9.4 mL 50 mg/mL

Reconstitute to 50 mg/mL for IV administration.

IV administration

Injection: Use undilutedor dilute to 20 to 50 mg/mL, and give over at least 20 seconds.

Intermittent infusion: Dilute to 20 to 50 mg/mL and infuse over 10 minutes to 1 hour.

Continuous infusion: Dilute to 2 to 4 mg/mL and give as a continuous infusion.

Other routes of administration

IM: Not recommended.

SC: Not recommended.

Compatible IV fluids

Glucose 5%

Sodium chloride 0.9% 

Y-site only:

Plasma-Lyte 148

Additional information

Extravasation risk. 

For use in theatre or intensive care settings only.

Use only when facilities for cardiac monitoring and cardio-respiratory resuscitation exist.

May cause hypotension, decreased cardiac output and respiratory depression.

Discard any unused vial contents.

Flush line well after dose administration to avoid re-sedation during recovery.


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