Methohexital

The Basics

What is Methohexital?

Primarily used to induce anesthesia, and is generally provided as a sodium salt.

Brand names for Methohexital

Brevital Sodium

How Methohexital is classified

Anesthetics – Intravenous

Methohexital During Pregnancy

Methohexital pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Methohexital while pregnant

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 . 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.

Taking Methohexital While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Methohexital?

Amounts of methohexital in milk are very small. Existing data indicate that no waiting period is required before resuming breastfeeding after a single dose of methohexital. Breastfeeding can be resumed as soon as the mother has recovered sufficiently to nurse.[1] When a combination of anesthetic agents is used for a procedure, follow the recommendations for the most problematic medication used during the procedure.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Amounts of methohexital in milk are very small. Existing data indicate that no waiting period is required before resuming breastfeeding after a single dose of methohexital. Breastfeeding can be resumed as soon as the mother has recovered sufficiently to nurse.[1] When a combination of anesthetic agents is used for a procedure, follow the recommendations for the most problematic medication used during the procedure.

Possible effects of Methohexital on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Methohexital

Dexmedetomidine, Etomidate, Propofol, Thiopental.