Tag: Lethal injection

Developed in the 1930s, thiopental is a rapid-onset, short-acting barbiturate that became a cornerstone of anesthesia for decades [1.2.1, 1.9.3]. So, what is thiopental commonly used for? Its primary applications have been in inducing anesthesia, managing seizures, and protecting the brain during surgery [1.2.1, 1.2.4].

In 2011, Hospira Inc., the sole U.S. manufacturer, announced it would permanently cease production of thiopental [1.4.2]. The answer to **why is thiopental no longer used** involves a complex interplay of superior clinical alternatives, manufacturing challenges, and ethical controversies tied to its use in capital punishment.