21 CFR § 522.2444b - Thiopental and pentobarbital powder for injection.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t21/s522.2444b"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "21 CFR § 522.2444b - Thiopental and pentobarbital powder for injection."
title_number: 21
title_name: "Food and Drugs"
section_number: "522.2444b"
section_name: "Thiopental and pentobarbital powder for injection."
chapter_name: "FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "E"
subchapter_name: "ANIMAL DRUGS, FEEDS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS"
part_number: "522"
part_name: "IMPLANTATION OR INJECTABLE DOSAGE FORM NEW ANIMAL DRUGS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "21 U.S.C. 360b."
regulatory_source: "40 FR 13858, Mar. 27, 1975, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "522"
---


# 522.2444b Thiopental and pentobarbital powder for injection.

(a) *Specifications.* Each gram of powder contains 750 milligrams (mg) of sodium thiopental and 250 mg of sodium pentobarbital powder for dilution with sterile water for injection.

(b) *Sponsor.* See No. 061133 in § 510.600(c) of this chapter.

(c) *Conditions of use*—(1) *Amount.* For total anesthesia, it is given at approximately 10 to 12 mg per pound of body weight over a period of 3.5 to 5 minutes. When preanesthetic medication is used, wait at least an hour before administering thiopental and sodium pentobarbital for injection, and the dosage necessary for anesthesia is reduced. Usually 
1/2 to 
2/3 the normal amount is adequate.

(2) *Indications for use.* It is used as an anesthetic for intravenous administration to dogs and cats during short to moderately long surgical procedures.

(3) *Limitations.* Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

[79 FR 16197, Mar. 25, 2014, as amended at 84 FR 8974, Mar. 13, 2019]