List of anaesthetic drugs

List of Anaesthetic Drugs

Anaesthetic drugs are pharmaceuticals used to induce anesthesia, a state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness. They are used during surgical procedures to ensure that patients remain unconscious and free of pain. Anaesthetic drugs can be broadly classified into two main categories: General Anaesthetics and Local Anaesthetics. This article provides an overview of the most commonly used anaesthetic drugs within these categories.

General Anaesthetics

General anaesthetics are drugs that induce a reversible state of unconsciousness and insensitivity to pain. They are typically used in major surgical procedures. General anaesthetics can be further divided into inhalational and intravenous anaesthetics.

Inhalational Anaesthetics

Inhalational anaesthetics are administered through the respiratory system. They include:

• Nitrous Oxide: Often used in combination with other agents, nitrous oxide provides analgesia and sedation.
• Isoflurane: A widely used inhalational agent due to its potency and muscle-relaxing properties.
• Sevoflurane: Preferred for mask induction due to its lesser irritation to the airways.
• Desflurane: Known for its rapid onset and recovery times, making it suitable for outpatient procedures.

Intravenous Anaesthetics

Intravenous anaesthetics are administered directly into the bloodstream. They include:

• Propofol: Highly popular for its rapid onset and short duration of action.
• Etomidate: Often used for patients at risk of hypotension, as it has minimal cardiovascular effects.
• Ketamine: Noted for maintaining airway reflexes, heart rate, and blood pressure, making it useful in certain emergency situations.
• Barbiturates (e.g., Thiopental): Historically used but now less common due to the availability of drugs with better safety profiles.

Local Anaesthetics

Local anaesthetics are drugs that cause reversible loss of sensation in a specific area of the body without affecting consciousness. They are often used for minor surgical procedures, dental procedures, and pain relief. Local anaesthetics can be administered topically, by injection, or by regional nerve blocks.

• Lidocaine: The most commonly used local anaesthetic, known for its rapid onset and moderate duration of action.
• Bupivacaine: Characterized by its long duration of action, making it suitable for procedures requiring extended pain relief.
• Mepivacaine: Similar to lidocaine but with a slightly longer duration of action.
• Ropivacaine: A newer agent, known for its reduced potential for cardiotoxicity and motor blockade.

Adjuvants

Adjuvant drugs are often used in combination with anaesthetic agents to enhance their effects, reduce side effects, or to provide additional pain relief. These include:

• Opioids (e.g., Fentanyl, Morphine): Provide profound analgesia and are often used in conjunction with other anaesthetics.
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Midazolam): Used for their sedative, anxiolytic, and amnestic properties.
• Alpha-2 Agonists (e.g., Dexmedetomidine): Can provide sedation and pain relief without respiratory depression.

Conclusion

The selection of an anaesthetic drug or combination of drugs depends on various factors including the type of procedure, the patient's health status, and potential drug interactions. The development and refinement of anaesthetic drugs continue to be a dynamic area of medical research, aiming to improve safety and outcomes for patients undergoing surgical and diagnostic procedures.