Sodium Thiopental is a barbiturate that acts as a fast-acting anesthetic. It is commonly used to induce anesthesia before surgical procedures, allowing patients to quickly enter a state of unconsciousness. Due to its rapid onset, it is often favored in emergency situations. In addition to its use in anesthesia, Sodium Thiopental has been utilized in lethal injection protocols in some jurisdictions. Its ability to depress the central nervous system makes it effective for this purpose, although its use in executions has raised ethical and legal debates.