Methohexital

Methohexital (marketed under the brand name Brevital) is a drug which is a barbiturate derivative.[citation needed] It is classified as short-acting, and has a rapid onset of action. It is similar in its effects to sodium thiopental, a drug with which it competed in the market for anaesthetics.

Pharmacology
Methohexital binds to a distinct site which is associated with Cl− ionophores at GABAA receptors.[citation needed] This increases the length of time which the Cl− ionopores are open, thus causing an inhibitory effect.

Metabolism of methohexital is primarily hepatic (i.e., taking place in the liver) via demethylation and oxidation.[citation needed] Side-chain oxidation is the primary means of metabolism involved in the termination of the drug's biological activity.

Protein binding is approximately 73% for methohexital.[citation needed]

Indications
Methohexital is primarily used to induce anesthesia, and is generally provided as a sodium salt (i.e. methohexital sodium). It is only used in hospital or ambulatory care (i.e. in an ambulance) settings, under strict supervision.[citation needed] It has been commonly used to induce deep sedation, "twilight sleep" or general anesthesia for oral surgery and dentistry. It is also used to induce anesthesia prior to ECT(electroconvulsive therapy).