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

Pharmacology

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Methohexital binds to a distinct site which is associated with Cl⁻ ionophores at GABA_A receptors. 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. Side-chain oxidation is the primary means of metabolism involved in the termination of the drug's biological activity.

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