A patient is admitted in a comatose state after ingesting 30 capsules of pentobarbital sodium. A friend of the patient says, "Often my friend drinks, along with taking more of the drug than is ordered."
What is the effect of the use of alcohol with this drug?
a. The drug's metabolism is stimulated.
b. The drug's effect is diminished.
c. A synergistic effect occurs.
d. There is no effect.
ANS: C
Both pentobarbital and alcohol are CNS depressants and have synergistic effects. Taken together, the action of each would potentiate the other.
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