What is Pentobarbital injection? The drug used in Christa Pike’s failed Tennessee execution has come under scrutiny

Pentobarbital, a barbiturate used in lethal injections, was administered to Christa Pike during a failed execution. Pike survived after officials delivered two doses on September 30, 2026. Following the incident, Governor Bill Lee halted remaining executions for 2026 and ordered a review of the procedure. This incident has raised further scrutiny regarding the use of pentobarbital in capital punishment.