pentobarbital

American  

[pen-tuh-bahr-bi-tawl, -tal] / ˌpɛn təˈbɑr bɪˌtɔl, -ˌtæl /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a barbiturate, C 1 1 H 1 7 N 2 O 3 , used as a hypnotic and as a sedative.

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Etymology

Origin of pentobarbital

1930–35; pent- ( def. ) + -o- + barbital

Example Sentences

It also noted, “Whether the pentobarbital had not worked as intended or the implanted heart device repeatedly shocked Black as predicted was not clear.”

From Slate • Aug. 8, 2025

The publication also quotes a medical expert who observed that pentobarbital, the single-drug barbiturate used in Black’s execution, “should cause rapid unconsciousness. It sounds like this did not occur.”

From Slate • Aug. 8, 2025

That review comes at a time when states have turned to pentobarbital due to a shortage of other lethal injection drugs.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2025

Like other states in recent years, Texas has turned to compounding pharmacies to obtain pentobarbital after traditional drug makers refused to sell their products to prison agencies in the U.S.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2023

When the vet injected the sodium pentobarbital, Neil fluttered her eyes, assumed a nap position, and died.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris