thiopental sodium: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “thiopental sodium” mean?
A barbiturate drug used as a general anaesthetic and sedative, often administered intravenously.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A barbiturate drug used as a general anaesthetic and sedative, often administered intravenously.
A rapid-onset, short-acting barbiturate derivative, chemically known as sodium 5-ethyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)-2-thiobarbiturate, historically used as a first-choice induction agent in general anaesthesia and also as a truth serum due to its disinhibiting effects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical; carries strong medical/anaesthetic connotations and historical associations with 'truth serum' in popular culture.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language, used only in specialised medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “thiopental sodium” in a Sentence
The anaesthetist administered {thiopental sodium} to the patient.Induction was achieved with {thiopental sodium}.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and pharmacological research papers, and historical texts on anaesthesia.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside discussions of medical history or crime dramas referencing 'truth serum'.
Technical
Core term in anaesthesiology, pharmacology, and forensic science; used in clinical guidelines, drug formularies, and medical training.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thiopental sodium”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thiopental sodium”
- Misspelling as 'thiopenal', 'thiopentol', or 'thiopentol sodium'. Confusing it with 'pentobarbital', a different barbiturate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its use has declined significantly in favour of drugs like propofol, but it may still be used in specific medical contexts or where alternatives are contraindicated.
Historically, in high doses it causes disinhibition and sedation, leading to loose, uncensored speech. This led to its (inaccurate and unreliable) popular association with truth-telling.
Almost exclusively by intravenous (IV) injection, as it acts within seconds.
Respiratory depression and hypotension (low blood pressure) are significant risks, requiring careful monitoring by an anaesthetist.
A barbiturate drug used as a general anaesthetic and sedative, often administered intravenously.
Thiopental sodium is usually technical, medical in register.
Thiopental sodium: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθʌɪə(ʊ)ˈpɛnt(ə)l ˈsəʊdɪəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪoʊˈpɛntəl ˈsoʊdiəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “truth serum (colloquial/historical reference)”
- “sodium pentothal interview (historical/colloquial)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'THIO' for sulfur (part of its chemistry), 'PENTAL' sounds like 'pentobarbital' (a related drug), and 'SODIUM' for the salt form. 'Pentothal' is the key brand name.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often metaphorically a 'key to the unconscious' or a 'chemical truth-teller' in non-technical contexts.
Practice
Quiz
What is a common brand name for thiopental sodium?