Pentobarbital

Overview

No Reviews

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

25 Feb 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

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.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

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.

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE 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.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

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