Sodium pentothal is a potent anesthetic. After intravenous injection, the drug q

Question

Sodium pentothal is a potent anesthetic. After intravenous injection, the drug quickly reaches the brain Producing unconsciousness in less than 1 minute. Chemically, it is a weak acid with a pKa of 7.6 Figure 8: Pentothal A patient is administered sodium pentothal orally instead of intravenously. The pH of the stomach is 2.5, and the pKa of sodium pentothal is 7.6. Will this procedure put the patient to sleep, i.e. will pentothal be absorbed? Please justify your answer for full credit. (1 point)

Explanation / Answer

The pH of the stomach is 2.5. The pKa of sodium pentothal is 7.6 which is acidic. So if sodium pentothal is administered orally none of the sodium pentothal is ionized in the stomach. So the patient would absorb 100% of its administered amount andthis will put him to sleep.

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