Introduction

FDAH

Company name: Fort Dodge Animal Health

Address: Flanders Road

Hedge End

Southampton SO30 4QH

Telephone: 01489 781711

Fax: 01489 788306

Presentation

A non-sterile, blue aqueous solution containing Pentobarbitone Sodium BP 20% w/v.

Uses

For the euthanasia of domestic pets and small farm animals.

Dosage and administration

By rapid intravenous injection at the rate of 0.7 ml/kg bodyweight, equivalent to 140 mg/kg pentobarbitone sodium. Death will rapidly ensue as the result of irreversible anaesthesia.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

Lethobarb must only be used for euthanasia.

Not for use in animals intended for human and animal consumption.

Not to be used for anaesthesia.

In the event of accidental administration to an animal not presented for euthanasia, measures such as artificial respiration, administration of oxygen and the use of analeptics are appropriate.

Operator Warnings

Pentobarbitone is a potent hypnotic and sedative (Schedule 3 Poison). It is toxic if swallowed and can be absorbed through the skin. The concentration of pentobarbitone in the product is such that the accidental administration of quantities as small as 2 ml can have serious CNS effects. It is reported that a 1 g dose (equivalent to 5 ml of Lethobarb) could be lethal to humans.

In case of accidental contact with Lethobarb the following action should be taken:

Skin

Wash immediately with water and then thoroughly with soap and water.

Eyes

Irrigate immediately with cold water and obtain medical aid.

Accidental self-injection

Seek URGENT medical attention, advising medical services of barbiturate poisoning. Do not leave patient unattended. Maintain airways and give symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Ingestion

Obtain medical aid at once. Wash out mouth. Keep warm and rest. Administer symptomatic and supportive measures.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Store below 25°C.

Keep out of the reach of children.

The solution is non-sterile.

Following withdrawal of the first dose, use the product within one month. Discard unused material.

Discard if any sediment is observed.

Legal category

POM-V CD(Sch 3)

Packaging Quantities

Multi-dose bottles of 100 ml.

Further information

The animal should be restrained in order to forestall narcotic excitement until anaesthesia supervenes.

When it is predicted that restraint for euthanasia may be problematical, it is recommended that premedication with an appropriate sedative is given.

The intravenous route of administration is the route of choice. However, the intraperitoneal, intrathoracic or intramuscular routes can be used when venepuncture is difficult to achieve.

The intrathoracic route should be used only as a last resort as there is a risk of injection into the lungs which causes coughing and distress.

Direct intracardiac injection will achieve a very rapid effect but it may be difficult to accurately locate the heart chambers in larger dogs and repeated attempts could cause unnecessary pain and distress.