PENTOTHALS Meaning and
Definition
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Pentothals is a plural noun that refers to a class of potent, short-acting barbiturate drugs, with the chemical name thiopental sodium. It is an intravenous anesthetic substance commonly used for inducing anesthesia and sedation in medical procedures. Pentothals belong to a larger group of drugs called barbiturates, which act as central nervous system depressants.
The primary mechanism of action of pentothals involves enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This results in a calming and sedative effect by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system, leading to a reduced level of consciousness and inducing drowsiness. Pentothals are known for their rapid onset of action, usually within seconds to minutes upon administration, making them valuable in emergency situations.
Due to their powerful sedative properties, pentothals have been traditionally used as anesthetic agents in surgical procedures, particularly for inducing general anesthesia and controlling seizures. Additionally, they have found applications in lethal injections for capital punishment in some jurisdictions. However, the use of pentothals in this context remains highly controversial.
Like all barbiturates, pentothals can be habit-forming and are associated with various side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, respiratory depression, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions. They should only be used under proper medical supervision, with dosage and administration carefully regulated to prevent potential risks and adverse effects.
Common Misspellings for PENTOTHALS
- pentothal
- pentothall
- pentothel
- oentothals
- lentothals
- -entothals
- 0entothals
- pwntothals
- psntothals
- pdntothals
- prntothals
- p4ntothals
- p3ntothals
- pebtothals
- pemtothals
- pejtothals
- pehtothals
- penrothals
- penfothals
- pengothals
Etymology of PENTOTHALS
The etymology of the word "pentothals" can be traced back to the drug called "sodium thiopental", which is commonly known by its brand name "Pentothal". "Pentothal" is a combination of the words "Pento-" and "-thal".
The prefix "pento-" comes from the Greek word "pente", meaning "five". This is because the drug contains a five-membered carbon ring in its chemical structure.
The suffix "-thal" is derived from "thiopental", which is the generic name for the drug. The term "thiopental" is composed of "thio-" meaning "sulfur", and "-pent-" (from "pentane"), indicating the five-carbon ring in the structure of the chemical compound.
Similar spelling word for PENTOTHALS
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