EUTHANASIA AGENTS CONTAINING PENTOBARBITAL

For therapeutic uses (other than euthanasia) of pentobarbital, see the main pentobarbital monographfor this agent. The sections on chemistry, storage, pharmacokinetics, overdosage, drug interactions, and monitoring parameters can be found in the main pentobarbital monograph also.

Pharmacology - EUTHANASIA AGENTS CONTAINING PENTOBARBITAL

Pentobarbital causes death by severely depressing the medullary respiratory andvasomotor centers when administered at high doses. Cardiac activity may persist for several minutesfollowing administration.
Phenytoin is added to Beuthanasia®-D Special (Schering) and lidocaine to FP-3® (Vortech) fortheir added cardiac depressant effects and to denature the compounds from a Class-II controlledsubstance to Class-III drugs. Pentobarbital is also known as pentobarbitone.

Uses, Indications

For rapid, humane euthanasia in animals not intended for food purposes.
Individual products may be approved for use in specific species. Barbituric acid derivatives areconsidered to be the "preferred method of euthanasia of individual dogs, cats, and other smallanimals." (AVMA Panel on Euthanasia, 1986).
Contraindications/Precautions - Must not be used in animals to be used for food purposes(human or animal consumption). Should be stored in such a manner that these products will not beconfused with therapeutic agents. Extreme care in handling filled syringes and proper disposal ofused injection equipment must be undertaken. Avoid any contact with open wounds or accidentalinjection. Keep out of reach of children.
Prior use of a tranquilizing agent may be necessary when the animal is in pain or agitated.

Adverse Effects, Warnings

Minor muscle twitching may occur after injection. Death may bedelayed or not accomplished if injection given perivascularly.