The onset of toxicity following an overdose of intravenously administered methohexital will be within seconds of the infusion. If methohexital is administered rectally or is ingested, the onset of toxicity may be delayed. The manifestations of an ultrashort-acting barbiturate in overdose include central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, hypotension, loss of peripheral vascular resistance, and muscular hyperactivity ranging from twitching to convulsive-like movements. Other findings may include convulsions and allergic reactions. Following massive exposure to any barbiturate, pulmonary edema, circulatory collapse with loss of peripheral vascular tone, and cardiac arrest may occur.
TreatmentTo obtain up-to-date information about the treatment of overdose, a good resource is your certified Regional Poison Control Center. Telephone numbers of certified poison control centers are listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR). In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple drug overdoses, interaction among drugs, and unusual drug kinetics in your patient.
Establish an airway and ensure oxygenation and ventilation. Resuscitative measures should be initiated promptly. For hypotension, intravenous fluids should be administered and the patient’s legs raised. If desirable increase in blood pressure is not obtained, vasopressor and/or inotropic drugs may be used as dictated by the clinical situation. For convulsions, diazepam intravenously and phenytoin may be required. If the seizures are refractory to diazepam and phenytoin, general anesthesia and paralysis with a neuromuscular blocking agent may be necessary.
Protect the patient’s airway and support ventilation and perfusion. Meticulously monitor and maintain, within acceptable limits, the patient’s vital signs, blood gases, serum electrolytes, etc. Absorption of drugs from the gastrointestinal tract may be decreased by giving activated charcoal, which, in many cases, is more effective than emesis or lavage; consider charcoal instead of or in addition to gastric emptying. Repeated doses of charcoal over time may hasten elimination of some drugs that have been absorbed. Safeguard the patient’s airway when employing gastric emptying or charcoal.
BREVITAL is contraindicated in patients in whom general anesthesia is contraindicated, in those with latent or manifest porphyria, or in patients with a known hypersensitivity to barbiturates.
Side effects associated with BREVITAL are extensions of pharmacologic effects and include:
CardiovascularCirculatory depression, thrombophlebitis, hypotension, tachycardia, peripheral vascular collapse, and convulsions in association with cardiorespiratory arrest
RespiratoryRespiratory depression (including apnea), cardiorespiratory arrest, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, hiccups, and dyspnea
NeurologicSkeletal muscle hyperactivity (twitching), injury to nerves adjacent to injection site, and seizures
PsychiatricEmergence delirium, restlessness, and anxiety may occur, especially in the presence of postoperative pain
GastrointestinalNausea, emesis, abdominal pain, and liver function tests abnormal
AllergicErythema, pruritus, urticaria, and cases of anaphylaxis have been reported rarely
OtherOther adverse reactions include pain at injection site, salivation, headache, and rhinitis
For medical advice about adverse reactions contact your medical professional. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Par Pharmaceutical at 1-800-828-9393 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or ww.fda.gov/medwatch/.
BREVITAL can be used in adults as follows:
BREVITAL can be used in pediatric patients older than 1 month as follows:
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed following administration of methohexital to pregnant rabbits and rats during organogenesis at doses up to 4 and 7 times the human dose respectively.
Published studies in pregnant primates demonstrate that the administration of anesthetic and sedation drugs that block NMDA receptors and/or potentiate GABA activity during the period of peak brain development increases neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain of the offspring when used for longer than 3 hours. There are no data on pregnancy exposures in primates corresponding to periods prior to the third trimester in humans [See Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
DataAnimal Data
Reproduction studies have been performed in rabbits and rats at doses up to 4 and 7 times the human dose respectively and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to methohexital sodium.
In a published study in primates, administration of an anesthetic dose of ketamine for 24 hours on Gestation Day 122 increased neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain of the fetus. In other published studies, administration of either isoflurane or propofol for 5 hours on Gestation Day 120 resulted in increased neuronal and oligodendrocyte apoptosis in the developing brain of the offspring. With respect to brain development, this time period corresponds to the third trimester of gestation in the human. The clinical significance of these findings is not clear; however, studies in juvenile animals suggest neuroapoptosis correlates with long-term cognitive deficits. (See WARNINGS/Pediatric Neurotoxicity , PRECAUTIONS/Pediatric Use, and Animal Pharmacology).
Store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). (See USP Controlled Room Temperature.)
BREVITAL® Vials*:
The 500 mg vials (with 30 mg anhydrous sodium carbonate) are available as follows:
NDC 42023-105-01 – Multi-Dose Vial – Pack of 1
The 2.5 g vials (with 150 mg anhydrous sodium carbonate) are available as follows:
NDC 42023-106-01 – Multi-Dose Vial – Pack of 1
*In crystalline form.
Distributed by: Par Pharmaceutical Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977. Revised April 2017
As with all potent anesthetic agents and adjuncts, BREVITAL should be used only in hospital or ambulatory care settings that provide for continuous monitoring of respiratory (e.g. pulse oximetry) and cardiac function. Immediate availability of resuscitative drugs and age-and size-appropriate equipment for bag/valve/mask ventilation and intubation and personnel trained in their use and skilled in airway management should be assured. For deeply sedated patients, a designated individual other than the practitioner performing the procedure should be present to continuously monitor the patient.
Maintenance of a patent airway and adequacy of ventilation must be ensured during induction and maintenance of anesthesia with methohexital sodium solution. Laryngospasm is common during induction with all barbiturates and may be due to a combination of secretions and accentuated reflexes following induction or may result from painful stimuli during light anesthesia. Apnea/hypoventilation may be noted during induction, which may impair pulmonary ventilation; the duration of apnea may be longer than that produced by other barbiturate anesthetics. Cardiorespiratory arrest may occur.
This prescribing information describes intravenous use of methohexital sodium in adults. It also discusses intramuscular and rectal administration in pediatric patients older than one month. Although the published literature discusses intravenous administration in pediatric patients, the safety and effectiveness of intravenous administration of methohexital sodium in pediatric patients have not been established in well-controlled, prospective studies. (See PRECAUTIONS/Pediatric Use)
Seizures may be elicited in subjects with a previous history of convulsive activity, especially partial seizure disorders.
Because the liver is involved in demethylation and oxidation of methohexital and because barbiturates may enhance preexisting circulatory depression, severe hepatic dysfunction, severe cardiovascular instability, or a shock-like condition may be reason for selecting another induction agent.
Prolonged administration may result in cumulative effects, including extended somnolence, protracted unconsciousness, and respiratory and cardiovascular depression. Respiratory depression in the presence of an impaired airway may lead to hypoxia, cardiac arrest, and death.
The CNS-depressant effect of BREVITAL may be additive with that of other CNS depressants, including ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol.
DANGER OF INTRA-ARTERIAL INJECTION—Unintended intra-arterial injection of barbiturate solutions may be followed by the production of platelet aggregates and thrombosis, starting in arterioles distal to the site of injection. The resulting necrosis may lead to gangrene, which may require amputation. The first sign in conscious patients may be a complaint of fiery burning that roughly follows the distribution path of the injected artery; if noted, the injection should be stopped immediately and the situation reevaluated. Transient blanching may or may not be noted very early; blotchy cyanosis and dark discoloration may then be the first sign in anesthetized patients. There is no established treatment other than prevention. The following should be considered prior to injection:
Injection through a running intravenous infusion may enhance the possibility of detecting arterial placement; however, it should be remembered that the characteristic bright-red color of arterial blood is often altered by contact with drugs. The possibility of aberrant arteries should always be considered.
Post injury arterial injection of vasodilators and/or arterial infusion of parenteral fluids are generally regarded to be of no value in altering outcome. Animal experiments and published individual case reports concerned with a variety of arteriolar irritants, including barbiturates, suggest that 1 or more of the following may be of benefit in reducing the area of necrosis:
If extravasation is noted during injection of methohexital, the injection should be discontinued until the situation is remedied. Local irritation may result from extravasation; subcutaneous swelling may also serve as a sign of arterial or periarterial placement of the catheter.
Pediatric NeurotoxicityPublished animal studies demonstrate that the administration of anesthetic and sedation drugs that block NMDA receptors and/or potentiate GABA activity increase neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain and result in long-term cognitive deficits when used for longer than 3 hours. The clinical significance of these findings is not clear. However, based on the available data, the window of vulnerability to these changes is believed to correlate with exposures in the third trimester of gestation through the first several months of life, but may extend out to approximately three years of age in humans. (See PRECAUTIONS/ Pregnancy, Pediatric Use, and Animal Pharmacology).
Some published studies in children suggest that similar deficits may occur after repeated or prolonged exposures to anesthetic agents early in life and may result in adverse cognitive or behavioral effects. These studies have substantial limitations, and it is not clear if the observed effects are due to the anesthetic/sedation drug administration or other factors such as the surgery or underlying illness.
Anesthetic and sedation drugs are a necessary part of the care of children needing surgery, other procedures, or tests that cannot be delayed, and no specific medications have been shown to be safer than any other. Decisions regarding the timing of any elective procedures requiring anesthesia should take into consideration the benefits of the procedure weighed against the potential risks.
PRECAUTIONS GeneralAll routes of administration of BREVITAL are often associated with hiccups, coughing, and/or muscle twitching, which may also impair pulmonary ventilation. Following induction, temporary hypotension and tachycardia may occur.
Recovery from methohexital anesthesia is rapid and smooth. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting is low if the drug is administered to fasting patients. Postanesthetic shivering has occurred in a few instances.
The usual precautions taken with any barbiturate anesthetic should be observed with BREVITAL. The drug should be used with caution in patients with asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, severe hypertension or hypotension, myocardial disease, congestive heart failure, severe anemia, or extreme obesity.
Methohexital sodium should be used with extreme caution in patients in status asthmaticus. Caution should be exercised in debilitated patients or in those with impaired function of respiratory, circulatory, renal, hepatic, or endocrine systems.
Laboratory TestsBSP and liver function studies may be influenced by administration of a single dose of barbiturates.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility CarcinogenesisLong-term animal studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of methohexital have not been conducted.
MutagenesisMethohexital was negative in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97, TA98, TA100, and TA1535.
Impairment Of FertilityReproduction studies in animals have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility.
Pregnancy Risk SummaryThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed following administration of methohexital to pregnant rabbits and rats during organogenesis at doses up to 4 and 7 times the human dose respectively.
Published studies in pregnant primates demonstrate that the administration of anesthetic and sedation drugs that block NMDA receptors and/or potentiate GABA activity during the period of peak brain development increases neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain of the offspring when used for longer than 3 hours. There are no data on pregnancy exposures in primates corresponding to periods prior to the third trimester in humans [See Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
DataAnimal Data
Reproduction studies have been performed in rabbits and rats at doses up to 4 and 7 times the human dose respectively and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to methohexital sodium.
In a published study in primates, administration of an anesthetic dose of ketamine for 24 hours on Gestation Day 122 increased neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain of the fetus. In other published studies, administration of either isoflurane or propofol for 5 hours on Gestation Day 120 resulted in increased neuronal and oligodendrocyte apoptosis in the developing brain of the offspring. With respect to brain development, this time period corresponds to the third trimester of gestation in the human. The clinical significance of these findings is not clear; however, studies in juvenile animals suggest neuroapoptosis correlates with long-term cognitive deficits. (See WARNINGS/Pediatric Neurotoxicity , PRECAUTIONS/Pediatric Use, and Animal Pharmacology).
Labor And DeliveryBREVITAL has been used in cesarean section delivery but, because of its solubility and lack of protein binding, it readily and rapidly traverses the placenta.
Nursing MothersCaution should be exercised when BREVITAL is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric UseThe safety and effectiveness of methohexital sodium in pediatric patients below the age of 1 month have not been established. Seizures may be elicited in subjects with a previous history of convulsive activity, especially partial seizure disorders. Apnea has been reported following dosing with methohexital regardless of the route of administration used. Studies using methohexital sodium intravenously in pediatric patients have been reported in the published literature. This literature is not adequate to establish the safety and effectiveness of intravenous administration of methohexital sodium in pediatric patients. Due to a variety of limitations such as study design, biopharmaceutic issues, and the wide range of effects observed with similar doses of intravenous methohexital, additional studies of intravenous methohexital in pediatric patients are necessary before this route can be recommended in pediatric patients. (See WARNINGS)
Published juvenile animal studies demonstrate that the administration of anesthetic and sedation drugs, such as BREVITAL, that either block NMDA receptors or potentiate the activity of GABA during the period of rapid brain growth or synaptogenesis, results in widespread neuronal and oligodendrocyte cell loss in the developing brain and alterations in synaptic morphology and neurogenesis. Based on comparisons across species, the window of vulnerability to these changes is believed to correlate with exposures in the third trimester of gestation through the first several months of life, but may extend out to approximately 3 years of age in humans.
In primates, exposure to 3 hours of ketamine that produced a light surgical plane of anesthesia did not increase neuronal cell loss, however, treatment regimens of 5 hours or longer of isoflurane increased neuronal cell loss. Data from isoflurane-treated rodents and ketamine-treated primates suggest that the neuronal and oligodendrocyte cell losses are associated with prolonged cognitive deficits in learning and memory. The clinical significance of these nonclinical findings is not known, and healthcare providers should balance the benefits of appropriate anesthesia in pregnant women, neonates, and young children who require procedures with the potential risks suggested by the nonclinical data. (See WARNINGS/ Pediatric Neurotoxicity, Pregnancy, and Animal Pharmacology).
Geriatric UseClinical studies of BREVITAL did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Elderly subjects may commonly have conditions in which methohexital should be used cautiously such as obstructive pulmonary disease, severe hypertension or hypotension, preexisting circulatory depression, myocardial disease, congestive heart failure, or severe anemia. Caution should be exercised in debilitated patients or in those with impaired function of respiratory, circulatory, renal, hepatic, or endocrine systems (see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS). Barbiturates may influence the metabolism of other concomitantly used drugs that are commonly taken by the elderly, such as anticoagulants and corticosteroids. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy (see DRUG INTERACTIONS).
Facilities for assisting ventilation and administering oxygen are necessary adjuncts for all routes of administration of anesthesia. Since cardiorespiratory arrest may occur, patients should be observed carefully during and after use of BREVITAL. Age-and size-appropriate resuscitative equipment (i.e., intubation and cardioversion equipment, oxygen, suction, and a secure intravenous line) and personnel qualified in its use must be immediately available.
Preanesthetic medication is generally advisable. BREVITAL may be used with any of the recognized preanesthetic medications.
Preparation Of SolutionFOLLOW DILUTION INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.
Freshly prepare solutions of BREVITAL and use promptly. Reconstituted solutions of BREVITAL are chemically stable at room temperature for 24 hours.
DiluentsONLY USE BACTERIOSTATIC-FREE DILUENT – Recommended diluents are based on route of administration (see Dilution Instructions).
Incompatible diluents: Lactated Ringer’s Injection
Dilution Instructions1% solutions (10 mg/mL) should be prepared for intermittent intravenous and rectal administration; 0.2% solutions (2 mg/mL) should be prepared for continuous intravenous drug administration; 5% solutions (50 mg/mL) should be prepared for intramuscular administration.
Contents of vials should be diluted as follows:
For Intermitient Intravenous And Rectal AdministrationThe preferred diluent for intermittent intravenous and rectal administration is Sterile Water for Injection. 5% Dextrose Injection, or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection are also acceptable diluents.
| Strength | Amount of Diluent to Be Added to the Contents of the BREVITAL Vial | For 1% methohexital solution (10 mg/mL) |
| 500 mg | 50 mL | no further dilution needed |
| 2.5 g | 15 mL | add to 235 mL diluent for 250 mL total volume |
When the first dilution is made with the 2.5 g, the solution in the vial will be yellow. W hen further diluted to make a 1% solution, it must be clear and colorless or should not be used.
For Continuous Intravenous AdministrationFor continuous drip anesthesia, prepare a 0.2% solution by adding 500 mg of BREVITAL Sodium to 250 mL of diluent. For this dilution, either 5% glucose solution or isotonic (0.9%) sodium chloride solution ONLY is recommended as the diluent instead of sterile water for injection in order to avoid extreme hypotonicity.
| Strength | Amount of Diluent to Be Added to the Contents of the BREVITAL Vial | For 0.2% methohexital solution (2 mg/mL) |
| 500 mg | 15 mL | add to 235 mL diluent for 250 mL total volume |
The preferred diluent for intramuscular administration is Sterile Water for Injection. 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is also an acceptable diluent.
| Strength | Amount of Diluent to Be Added to the Contents of the BREVITAL Vial | For 5% methohexital solution (50 mg/mL) |
| 500 mg | 10 mL | no further dilution needed |
| 2.5 g | 50 mL | no further dilution needed |
Dosage is highly individualized; the drug should be administered only by those completely familiar with its quantitative differences from other barbiturate anesthetics.
AdultsBREVITAL Sodium is administered intravenously in a concentration of no higher than 1%. Higher concentrations markedly increase the incidence of muscular movements and irregularities in respiration and blood pressure.
Induction of anesthesia
For induction of anesthesia, a 1% solution is administered at a rate of about 1 mL/5 seconds. Gaseous anesthetics and/or skeletal muscle relaxants may be administered concomitantly. The dose required for induction may range from 50 to 120 mg or more but averages about 70 mg. The usual dosage in adults ranges from 1 to 1.5 mg/kg. The induction dose usually provides anesthesia for 5 to 7 minutes.
Maintenance of anesthesia
Maintenance of anesthesia may be accomplished by intermittent injections of the 1% solution or, more easily, by continuous intravenous drip of a 0.2% solution. Intermittent injections of about 20 to 40 mg (2 to 4 mL of a 1% solution) may be given as required, usually every 4 to 7 minutes. For continuous drip, the average rate of administration is about 3 mL of a 0.2% solution/minute (1 drop/second). The rate of flow must be individualized for each patient. For longer surgical procedures, gradual reduction in the rate of administration is recommended (see WARNINGS). Other parenteral agents, usually narcotic analgesics, are ordinarily employed along with BREVITAL during longer procedures.
Pediatric PatientsBREVITAL is administered intramuscularly in a 5% concentration and administered rectally as a 1% solution.
Induction of anesthesia
For the induction of anesthesia by the intramuscular route of administration, the usual dose ranges from 6.6 to 10 mg/kg of the 5% concentration. For rectal administration, the usual dose for induction is 25 mg/kg using the 1% solution.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Compatibility InformationSolutions of BREVITAL should not be mixed in the same syringe or administered simultaneously during intravenous infusion through the same needle with acid solutions, such as atropine sulfate, metocurine iodide, and succinylcholine chloride. Alteration of pH may cause free barbituric acid to be precipitated. Solubility of the soluble sodium salts of barbiturates, including BREVITAL Sodium, is maintained only at a relatively high (basic) pH.
Because of numerous requests from anesthesiologists for information regarding the chemical compatibility of these mixtures, the following chart contains information obtained from compatibility studies in which a 1% solution of BREVITAL was mixed with therapeutic amounts of agents whose solutions have a low (acid) pH.
| Active Ingredient | Potency per mL | Volume Used | Immediate | 15 min | Physical Change 30 min | 1 h |
| BREVITAL | 10 mg | 10 mL | CONTROL | |||
| Atropine Sulfate | 1/150 gr | 1 mL | None | Haze | ||
| Atropine Sulfate | 1/150 gr | 1 mL | None | Ppt | Ppt | |
| Succinylcholine chloride | 0.5 mg | 4 mL | None | None | Haze | |
| Succinylcholine chloride | 1 mg | 4 mL | None | None | Haze | |
| Metocurine Iodide | 0.5 mg | 4 mL | None | None | Ppt | |
| Metocurine Iodide | 1 mg | 4 mL | None | None | Ppt | |
| Scopolamine hydrobromide | 1/120 gr | 1 mL | None | None | None | Haze |
| Tubocurarine chloride | 3 mg | 4 mL | None | None |
Side effects associated with BREVITAL are extensions of pharmacologic effects and include:
CardiovascularCirculatory depression, thrombophlebitis, hypotension, tachycardia, peripheral vascular collapse, and convulsions in association with cardiorespiratory arrest
RespiratoryRespiratory depression (including apnea), cardiorespiratory arrest, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, hiccups, and dyspnea
NeurologicSkeletal muscle hyperactivity (twitching), injury to nerves adjacent to injection site, and seizures
PsychiatricEmergence delirium, restlessness, and anxiety may occur, especially in the presence of postoperative pain
GastrointestinalNausea, emesis, abdominal pain, and liver function tests abnormal
AllergicErythema, pruritus, urticaria, and cases of anaphylaxis have been reported rarely
OtherOther adverse reactions include pain at injection site, salivation, headache, and rhinitis
For medical advice about adverse reactions contact your medical professional. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Par Pharmaceutical at 1-800-828-9393 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or ww.fda.gov/medwatch/.
DRUG INTERACTIONSPrior chronic administration of barbiturates or phenytoin (e.g. for seizure disorder) appears to reduce the effectiveness of BREVITAL. Barbiturates may influence the metabolism of other concomitantly used drugs, such as phenytoin, halothane, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, ethyl alcohol, and propylene glycol-containing solutions.
Drug Abuse And DependenceControlled Substance - BREVITAL is a Schedule IV drug.
BREVITAL may be habit-forming.
