methohexital is a short-acting barbiturate that is used primarily as an anesthetic agent. Its mechanism of action is thought to involve the enhancement of GABA-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS).
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, and barbiturates like methohexital bind to specific sites on the GABA-A receptor, which increases the opening of chloride ion channels, leading to hyperpolarization of the neuron and inhibition of neurotransmission.
The spectrum of activity of methohexital is primarily limited to the induction and maintenance of anesthesia, although it may also be used for conscious sedation in specific medical procedures. methohexital has a rapid onset of action and short duration of effect, making it useful for short surgical procedures or diagnostic tests.
