General Anesthetics Flashcards
where do many anesthetics act?
At GABA synapses on postsynaptic membranes by inhibiting propagation of further action potentials
How do barbiturates affect GABAa channels?
Make them stay open longer, allowing more Cl- in and hyperpolarizing cell
what are the three types of glutamate receptors upon which anesthetics act?
- AMPA
- Kinate
- NMDA
what is MAC?
minimum alveolar concentration
50% jump off the table
50% don’t jump off the table
At 1.3 MAC, what happens?
99% of patients are immobile (not jumping off the table)
what is a typical induction dose of volatile anesthetic?
2.0 MACs
what has a faster response, an agent with a low partition coefficient or an agent with a high partition coefficient?
low partition coefficient (low solubility)
does nitrous oxide have a low or high partition coefficient?
low
on and off fast
what are the key things about halothane?
- blood:gas 2.3 - relatively high, induction slow
- soluble in fat
- Cons: immune response to halothane (halothane hepatitis - immune response evoking hepatic necrosis, fever, nausea, rash and vomiting)
what is important to know about methoxyflourane?
- it really is not used much anymore
- very potent - high blood:gas partition, so long induction and emergence
- highly soluble in rubber, so can’t have rubber tubing
- extensive metabolism
- may produce renal failure and nephrotoxicity
What are the key things to know about nitrous oxide?
- can’t acheive unconsciousness with it
- rapid induction and emergence
- analgesic primarily
- 70-80% in 02
what is malignant hyperthermia?
rare hertiable disorder triggered by volatile anesthetics and some neuromuscular blockers caused by an inability of the SR to sequester Ca2+
reaction causes massive pyrexia after exposure
What is key to know about propofol?
Pros:
- rapid metabolism and recovery
- little accumulation
- “milk of amnesia” - hypnotic and forgetful rest
Cons:
- pain on injection
- not water soluble (more difficult handling)
- no antagonist
- no analgesia
- cardiorespiratory depression
what is key to know about etomidate?
- Pros
- antagonist available
- anterograde amnesia
- cardiovascular stability - does not cause hypotension
- Cons
- pain on injection
- no analgesia
- accumulates - slowing recovery
What patient populations must you be extra cautious about with anesthetics?
- Trauma even if the drug shows minimal hypotensive s/e, due to volume depletion in most trauma patients
- Elderly
- Cardiorespiratory Disease
Which preanesthetic medications are used to reduce anxiety and induce amnesia?
Benzodiazepenes
Midazolam (Versed)
Diazepam (Valium)
Which preanesthetic is used to prevent allergic reactions and provide some sedation?
antihistamines (1st gen)
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
What preanesthetic drug is typically given to prevent aspiration and postsurgical nausea and vomiting?
Ondansetron (5HT3 antagonist) - Zofran
anti-emetic