VI Preparation procedure for mixtura nontherapeutica

Appendix VI Preparation procedure for mixtura nontherapeutica

Instead of pentobarbital sodium, secobarbital sodium can be used.

MIXTURA NONTHERAPEUTICA PENTOBARBITAL (150MG/ML) Formula - see also the 'Comments' section pentobarbital sodium 15 g alcohol 96% V/V 16.2 g (20 ml) purified water 15 g propylene glycol 10.4 g (10 ml) saccharin sodium 250 mg syrup simplex 65 g star anise oil 1 drop

121.85 g (100 ml)

Preparation - See LNA procedure 'Solution for oral use', preparation (F06-4) and the 'Comments' section. • Mix the purified water, propylene glycol and the alcohol. • Dissolve the pentobarbital sodium in this mixture whilst stirring. • Dissolve the saccharin sodium in this mixture. • Mix with the sugar syrup and the star anise oil.

Packaging

Bottle that protects the contents from the effects of light.

Storage

Unopened bottle: • patient's bottle: 1 month: store under 25°C, but not in the refrigerator or freezer.

Labelling

Shelf life and storage temperature of an unopened bottle.

Comments

Pentobarbitone sodium dissolves effectively in water, although the large quantity can mean it takes some time to do so. The eventual solution has a pH of between 10.0 and 10.5. Under the influence of CO2 in the air, the pH level can gradually reduce, which can result in crystallisation of free pentobarbital. This has been shown to be preventable by adding propylene glycol and alcohol in the stated quantities. These additives also work as preservatives.

Pentobarbital sodium is described in the literature as a substance with a bitter taste. Its concentration in this preparation results in a taste that is not only bitter, but also somewhat soapy due to the high pH level. As a result, a sweetener has been added to improve the taste as well as star anise oil to mask the alkalinity. However, despite this, the bitter after-taste is very persistent.