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Pentothal (THIOPENTAL)

Abbott · FDA-approved approved Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026 Quality 30/100

Pentothal (generic name: THIOPENTAL) is a thiopental Small molecule drug developed by Abbott. It is currently FDA-approved (first approved 1982) for Benign intracranial hypertension, Epilepsy, General anesthesia.

Pentothal, also known as thiopental, is a small molecule used in total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and inhalation anesthesia. It has been studied in various clinical trials for conditions such as pituitary tumor, cardiac arrest, and status epilepticus.

At a glance

Generic nameTHIOPENTAL
SponsorAbbott
Drug classthiopental
TargetGABA-A receptor alpha-1/beta-2/gamma-2
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaNeuroscience
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval1982

Approved indications

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Pentothal

What is Pentothal?

Pentothal (THIOPENTAL) is a thiopental drug developed by Abbott, indicated for Benign intracranial hypertension, Epilepsy, General anesthesia.

What is Pentothal used for?

Pentothal is indicated for Benign intracranial hypertension, Epilepsy, General anesthesia, Narcoanalysis.

Who makes Pentothal?

Pentothal is developed and marketed by Abbott (see full Abbott pipeline at /company/abbott).

What is the generic name of Pentothal?

THIOPENTAL is the generic (nonproprietary) name of Pentothal.

What drug class is Pentothal in?

Pentothal belongs to the thiopental class. See all thiopental drugs at /class/thiopental.

When was Pentothal approved?

Pentothal was first approved on 1982.

What development phase is Pentothal in?

Pentothal is FDA-approved (marketed).

What does Pentothal target?

Pentothal targets GABA-A receptor alpha-1/beta-2/gamma-2 and is a thiopental.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing