<P> Sodium thiopental is an ultra-short - acting barbiturate and has been used commonly in the induction phase of general anesthesia . Its use has been largely replaced with that of propofol , but retains popularity as an induction agent for rapid sequence intubation and in obstetrics . Following intravenous injection , the drug rapidly reaches the brain and causes unconsciousness within 30 -- 45 seconds . At one minute , the drug attains a peak concentration of about 60 % of the total dose in the brain . Thereafter , the drug distributes to the rest of the body , and in about 5 -- 10 minutes the concentration is low enough in the brain that consciousness returns . </P>
<P> Sodium thiopental is an ultra-short - acting barbiturate and has been used commonly in the induction phase of general anesthesia . Its use has been largely replaced with that of propofol , but retains popularity as an induction agent for rapid sequence intubation and in obstetrics . Following intravenous injection , the drug rapidly reaches the brain and causes unconsciousness within 30 -- 45 seconds . At one minute , the drug attains a peak concentration of about 60 % of the total dose in the brain . Thereafter , the drug distributes to the rest of the body , and in about 5 -- 10 minutes the concentration is low enough in the brain that consciousness returns . </P>
what does sodium pentothal do to the body
what does sodium pentothal do to the body
causes unconsciousness
causes unconsciousness