Methohexital

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A rapid, short-acting barbituric acid derivative, with anesthetic activity. Methohexital binds to the chloride ionophore site of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A/chloride ionophore receptor complex, thereby enhancing the inhibitory actions of GABA-A in the brain. This leads to synaptic inhibition, decreased neuronal excitability, and induction of anesthesia. In addition, this agent decreases glutamate (Glu) responses.

**Synonyms:** - (+-)-5-Allyl-1-methyl-5-(1-methyl-2-pentynyl)barbituric Acid - 2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-Pyrimidinetrione, 1-methyl-5-(1-methyl-2-pentynyl)-5-(2-propenyl)-, (+-)- - METHOHEXITAL