Thiopental Sodium

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** The sodium salt form of thiopental, an ultrashort-acting barbituric acid derivative, with anesthetic activity. Thiopental 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:** - 4,6(1H,5H)-Pyrimidinedione, 5-ethyldihydro-5-(1-methylbutyl)-2-thioxo-, Monosodium Salt - Pentothal - Sodium Penthiobarbital - Sodium Thiopental - THIOPENTAL SODIUM