A Comprehensive Guide to Common Anesthetic Drugs Used in Surgery

Awis Widya

Introduction

Anesthesia is a critical component of modern medicine, enabling painless and safe surgical procedures. The development of various anesthetic drugs has revolutionized surgical practices, allowing for precise control over the depth and duration of unconsciousness during surgery. Anesthetic drugs are carefully selected and administered based on factors such as the type of surgery, patient's medical history and desired anesthetic outcomes. This guide provides an overview of the common anesthetic drugs used in surgery, highlighting their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical uses and potential adverse effects [1].

Literature Review

Intravenous Anesthetic agents acts as a potent agonist at the Gamma- Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) receptor, resulting in central nervous system depression. Rapid onset of action and short duration of effect due to rapid metabolism in the liver. Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for surgical procedures. Also used for sedation in intensive care units and procedural sedation. Respiratory depression, hypotension, propofol infusion syndrome (rare but serious complication characterized by metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis and cardiovascular collapse). Enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA. Rapid onset of action and short duration of effect. Metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. Induction of anesthesia for short surgical procedures and rapid sequence intubation [2].

Anesthesia stands as the cornerstone of contemporary surgical interventions, embodying the delicate balance between patient comfort and procedural precision. Its significance transcends mere sedation, extending to ensuring the safety and success of surgical endeavors. Within this intricate realm, an array of pharmacological agents emerges, each tailored to induce anesthesia with nuanced characteristics and applications. This comprehensive guide navigates through the pharmacopeia of anesthetic drugs, delving into their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic profiles, clinical indications and potential adversities. Such knowledge isn't just a scholarly pursuit, it's a linchpin for anesthesiologists, surgeons and healthcare practitioners enveloped in perioperative care. By grasping the intricacies of these medications, practitioners can orchestrate patient management strategies that not only mitigate risks but also amplify the prospects of favorable surgical outcomes [3].

Discussion

Pharmacokinetics onset and recovery due to low blood solubility. Metabolized minimally in the liver. Clinical Maintenance of general anesthesia during surgical procedures, especially in pediatric and outpatient settings. Respiratory depression, hypotension, emergence agitation (more common in pediatric patients). Similar to sevoflurane, potentiating GABA activity and inhibiting excitatory neurotransmission. Rapid onset and recovery, with minimal metabolism in the body. Maintenance of general anesthesia in adult patients undergoing surgical procedures. Respiratory depression, airway irritation, postoperative nausea and vomiting [4].

Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that competes with acetylcholine for binding to nicotinic receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle relaxation. Pharmacokinetically rapid onset of action and intermediate duration of effect. Metabolized in the liver and excreted renally. Facilitation of endotracheal intubation, muscle relaxation during surgery and maintenance of paralysis in mechanically ventilated patients [5]. Prolonged paralysis, anaphylaxis, histamine release (less common compared to older neuromuscular blocking agents). Depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that initially stimulates nicotinic receptors, leading to muscle depolarization and subsequent paralysis. Pharmacokinetics rapid onset of action and short duration of effect due to rapid metabolism by plasma cholinesterase. Rapid sequence induction for endotracheal intubation, facilitation of surgical relaxation [6].

Conclusion

Anesthetic drugs encompass a diverse array of medications that are indispensable for achieving successful surgical outcomes while ensuring patient comfort and safety. From intravenous agents for induction and maintenance of anesthesia to local anesthetics for regional blocks and neuromuscular blocking agents for muscle relaxation, each drug has specific characteristics and clinical applications. Healthcare professionals must possess a thorough understanding of these medications, including their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and potential adverse effects, to tailor anesthesia regimens according to individual patient needs and surgical requirements. By adhering to best practices in anesthesia administration and monitoring, clinicians can mitigate risks and complications, thereby optimizing patient care throughout the perioperative period.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

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