Does phenytoin sodium enhance the lethality of N?

[phersper]

I was wondering why many euthanasia solution also have phenytoin sodium in it. Can someone explain me what this added molecule is supposed to do and why not simply put pentobarbital alone?

(out of curiosity)

 

[John Ryder]

PN/PPH asserts that it helps shut down the heart as extra insurance. I've also seen it argued that its primary function in vet euthanasia is to help eradicate post-death muscle spasm that can be distressing to owners (basically aesthetics) and that the effect on cardiac function is minimal to non existent. It wouldn't be the first thing Nitschke didn't get it totally right. I'm trying to find a definitive answer myself but right now I figure it doesn't hurt to have it in there.

 

[phersper]

PN/PPH asserts that it helps shut down the heart as extra insurance. I've also seen it argued that its primary function in vet euthanasia is to help eradicate post-death muscle spasm that can be distressing to owners (basically aesthetics) and that the effect on cardiac function is minimal to non existent. It wouldn't be the first thing Nitschke didn't get it totally right. I'm trying to find a definitive answer myself but right now I figure it doesn't hurt to have it in there.

Maybe it s half half… thanks for the reply.

 

[Sapphire]

An overdose of phenytoin causes cardiac arrest and hastens death. It isn't really necessary because an overdose of pentobarbital will kill you by itself.

EUTHASOL®(pentobarbital sodium and phenytoin sodium)Euthanasia Solution

dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Ernest1964]

An overdose of phenytoin causes cardiac arrest and hastens death. It isn't really necessary because an overdose of pentobarbital will kill you by itself.

EUTHASOL®(pentobarbital sodium and phenytoin sodium)Euthanasia Solution

dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Agreed... There's no such thing as extra dead.

 

[John Ryder]

No one disputes the lethality of N on its own. It doesn't mean it can't receive meaningful assistance. If phenytoin's cardiac effect is significant it could make the difference for someone with just a borderline amount, or reduce time to death. If one can get their hands on one of the N + pheny mixes like Euthanex, Euthasol, Euthaphen or source raw phenytoin to supplement, I say go for it