Amobarbital

Amobarbital (Amytal)

Category:

Sedative

Description:

DEA Schedule II Sedative Hypnotic

Indications:

Sedation, preanesthetic sedation
Short-term (up to 2 weeks) treatment of insomnia
Anticonvulsant

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to barbiturates, respiratory depression
Severe liver impairment, porphyria

Precautions:

Pregnancy category D
Anemia, addiction to barbiturates, hepatic disease, COPD/emphasema
Renal disease, hypertension, elderly, mental depression
History of drug abuse, abrupt discontinuation

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

CNS: CNS depression, dizziness, drowsiness, hangover, lethargy, slurred speech, mental depression, physical dependence, stimulation in elderly and children, vertigo
CV: bradycardia, hypotension
GI: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
HEME: agranulocytosis, megaloblastic anemia, thrombocytopenia
RESP: apnea, bronchospasm, depression, laryngospasm
SKIN: angioedema, erythema multiforme, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, thrombophlebitis, urticaria

Dosage:

Administered orally, intramuscularly, intravenously

Adult:
- Preanesthetic sedation:
  - PO/IM 200mg 1-2 hours preoperatively
- Anticonvulsant/psychiatry:
  - IV 65-500mg given over several minutes
  - not to exceed 100 mg/min
  - not to exceed 1g
- Insomnia:
  - PO/IM 65-200mg at bedtime
Child > 6 years:
- Sedation: PO 2 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
- Anticonvulsant/psychiatry:
  - IV 65-500mg given over several minutes
  - not to exceed 100 mg/min
  - not to exceed 1g
- Insomnia: IM 2-3 mg/kg at bedtime

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300