Anesthetic agent

Anesthetic Agent

An anesthetic agent is a drug used in anesthesia, the practice of medicine dedicated to the relief of pain and total care of the surgical patient before, during and after surgery. It is a substance that induces insensitivity to pain and is used for a variety of surgical procedures. The goals of anesthesia include loss of consciousness, lack of memory, lack of pain, and muscle relaxation.

Types of Anesthetic Agents

There are two main types of anesthetic agents: general anesthetics and local anesthetics.

General anesthetics cause a reversible loss of consciousness and analgesia in order for surgeons to operate on a patient. These drugs are typically administered intravenously or inhaled through a breathing mask or tube. Examples of general anesthetics include propofol, sevoflurane, and nitrous oxide.

Local anesthetics block the transmission of nerve impulses in a specific area of the body, causing a loss of sensation in the targeted area. This allows for procedures to be done without the patient losing consciousness. Examples of local anesthetics include lidocaine, bupivacaine, and procaine.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action of anesthetic agents is not fully understood. However, it is believed that general anesthetics work by altering the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which in turn interferes with the transmission of nerve signals in the brain, leading to a loss of sensation and consciousness.

Local anesthetics, on the other hand, work by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the propagation of nerve impulses, and thus causing a loss of sensation in the targeted area.

Side Effects and Risks

Like all medications, anesthetic agents can have side effects and risks. These can range from minor side effects such as nausea and vomiting, to more serious complications such as allergic reactions, breathing problems, and even death in rare cases. The risk of complications is influenced by a variety of factors, including the type of anesthesia used, the specific procedure, and the patient's overall health.

See Also

• Anesthesia
• General anesthesia
• Local anesthesia
• Sedation