pentobarbital /pen′təbär″bitol/ , a sedative and hypnotic. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed as a preoperative sedative, to induce coma during treatment of increased intracranial pressure, and to abort status epilepticus unresponsive to other medications. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Porphyria or known hypersensitivity to this drug or to other barbiturates prohibits its use. It is used with caution in patients with impaired respiratory or liver function or a history of dependence on sedative or hypnotic drugs. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse reactions are respiratory or circulatory depression, paradoxical excitement, jaundice, or various hypersensitivity reactions. Nausea and hangover-like symptoms may occur.