Barbiturates in the Care of the Terminally Ill

Barbiturates are well known for their capacity to cause death and painlessly and for their efficacy in producing unconsciousness the administration of other lethal drugs. . . . Physicians also administer to the terminally ill without intending that they be used to the death of the patient. Even in these circumstances, however, the side effects of the drugs may hasten the patient's death, and care may be uncertain about whether their actions will be viewed as killing caring. In this article, we review situations in which the nonlethal use of may be indicated and discuss situations in which their can be morally justified. We also provide practical advice for use of these agents.