methohexitone sodium

Last reviewed 01/2018

Methohexitone sodium is an intravenous anaesthetic with a similar spectrum of activity to thiopentone sodium. It is less irritant than the latter, but injection may still cause pain and involuntary movements. Recovery and metabolism are also quicker, making it more suitable for day-case surgery. However, induction may be less smooth and hiccups and tremor can cause problems.

Its contraindications are the same as thiopentone sodium with the addition of epilepsy - it may have a greater tendency to produce fitting.