Pentobarbital

Overview

No Reviews

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

25 Feb 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Pentobarbital belongs to the barbiturate class of medications and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing various medical conditions such as seizures, status epilepticus, and short-term treatment of insomnia. At low doses, approved indications of pentobarbital include short-term sedatives to treat insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic agent for surgery in the operating room. Pentobarbital primarily acts on the central nervous system (CNS). At elevated doses, pentobarbital functions as an anticonvulsant for emergent seizure control and for inducing medically induced comas. Studies have demonstrated the superiority of pentobarbital due to its faster brain penetration and shorter half-life, thereby making it the preferred treatment for refractory status epilepticus.

Pentobarbital functions within the CNS by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A subtype receptors. This action potentiates GABA effects, resulting in CNS depression and inhibiting glutamate, further leading to an additive effect on CNS depression. Although the lack of an antidote has led to decreased first-line usage of the drug, its indications remain recognized. This activity reviews the indications, mechanism of action, administration, adverse effects, and contraindications of pentobarbital therapy in the clinical setting. This activity also entails members of an interprofessional healthcare team in treating patients undergoing treatment with pentobarbital and its related conditions and sequelae, reviewing the essential pearls.


UAN: JA4008338-0000-23-5449-H01-P

Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify appropriate indications for pentobarbital therapy in clinical practice in patients with various conditions, such as seizures, insomnia, and status epilepticus.

  • Screen patients for contraindications and potential risk factors before initiating pentobarbital therapy.

  • Apply evidence-based guidelines and comprehensive knowledge of pentobarbital's pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and potential drug interactions for the safe and effective use of pentobarbital.

  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care for patients receiving pentobarbital therapy.

Pharmacy Activity Type:
Disease/Drug Therapy Related


Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Pharmacists: StatPearls, LLC designates this activity for a maximum of 1.00 ACPE credit(s). (UAN: JA4008338-0000-23-5449-H01-P ). Pharmacists should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

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