Tag: Anesthetics

General anesthesia is required for a significant portion of the millions of surgical procedures performed annually in the US. The type of anesthesia that affects the whole body, it induces a state of complete unconsciousness, ensuring patients feel no pain and have no memory of the major surgery being performed.

While several historical and modern agents fit the description, the highly fluorinated methyl isopropyl ether known as sevoflurane is a primary example of a sweet-smelling product having anesthetic use. It is widely used in contemporary medicine for inducing and maintaining general anesthesia, prized for its low pungency which allows for a smooth induction, particularly in pediatric patients.

Over 60,000 surgical procedures are performed daily in the United States, with many requiring a medically induced state of unconsciousness. The medical term for **what is whole body anesthesia called?** is general anesthesia, a controlled and reversible loss of consciousness that allows patients to undergo surgery without pain, awareness, or memory of the event.

Pharmacological potency is defined by the amount of a drug required to produce an effect, but identifying which drug is the most potent sedative is complex and depends heavily on the clinical context. A single pill used for sleep, for instance, is far less powerful than an intravenous anesthetic, even if it is a highly potent sedative within its class.

According to a study in the French PharmacoVigilance Database, memory disorders were significantly associated with several drug classes, with benzodiazepines and hypnotic agents topping the list. This article explores the pharmacological mechanisms behind what drugs can erase memory, from anesthetics to long-term cognitive effects.

The human liver, responsible for processing over 90% of all drugs, plays a pivotal role in the clearance of many anesthetic agents. Understanding **what anesthetics are metabolized by the liver** is crucial for safe patient management, especially for individuals with compromised hepatic function. This guide explores how different anesthetic classes rely on the liver and the clinical implications involved.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 adults receiving anesthetics, but the underlying genetic susceptibility may be far more common. This rare, but potentially fatal, pharmacogenetic disorder is triggered by a limited number of specific drugs. Knowing which drugs cause malignant hyperthermia is critical for patient safety during surgery.

Yes, numbing eye drops can cause a brief, temporary stinging or burning sensation upon application. While they are designed to prevent pain during procedures, this initial discomfort is a common side effect experienced by many patients. The sensation usually fades quickly, lasting for only a few moments before the numbing effect begins.

Approximately 75% of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) cases manifest within the first five minutes of administration, particularly following an intravascular injection. The speed of onset depends heavily on the route of administration, making the question of how quickly does lidocaine toxicity happen a critical consideration in clinical practice.

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, most general anesthesia complications are minor and temporary, highlighting its high level of safety. This controlled environment is a key reason **why do surgeons prefer general anesthesia**, ensuring patient immobility, amnesia, and painlessness for successful surgical outcomes.