Pharmacokinetic properties of thiopental in two patients treated for uncontrollable seizures.

Thiopental was administered for seizure control in 2 patients with uncontrollable seizures. Serum samples were collected from each patient and assayed for thiopental, and the resulting serum concentration--time data were analyzed pharmacokinetically. The biologic half-life in both patients was significantly longer than previously reported values. Based on the limited number of patients studied, it would appear that half-life and volume of distribution increase with the degree of obesity, while clearance remains unchanged. These pharmacokinetic characteristics would be worthy of consideration in cases where there may be prolonged use of thiopental, eg., for the control of uncontrollable seizures.