Induction Agents

Question 1

Alfaxalone MOA

Answer 1

Neuroactive steroid molecule

Modulates neuronal cell membrane by binding to gaba cell surface receptors

Question 2

Alfaxalone Uses

Answer 2

Injectable anesthetic for dogs and cats
Negligible analgesic effects
Use with premeds to allow lower dose and make recoveries smoother

Question 3

Alfaxalone Disadvantages

Answer 3

Resp depression and apnea can occur, esp if admin rapidly IV

Question 4

Etomidate MOA

Answer 4

Acts at gaba receptor in CNS to increase chloride conductance causing hyperpolarization, resulting in hypnosis and CNS depression

Question 5

Etomidate Uses

Answer 5

Good anesthetic in p with cardiac dysfunction, head trauma, or critically ill
Non barbiturate anesthetic

Question 6

Etomidate Disadvantages

Answer 6

Can inhibit cortisol production, may need to sup corticosteroids In critically ill patients
Expensive, no analgesia

Question 7

Propofol MOA

Answer 7

Similar to barbiturates

Increases opening of gaba receptors by decreasing rate of NT gaba dissociation from the receptor

Question 8

Propofol Uses

Answer 8

Short acting injectable hypnotic agent

Question 9

Propofol Disadvantages

Answer 9

Resp depression common, apnea if given rapidly, can cause histamine release, hypotension
No analgesia

Question 10

Ketamine MOA

Answer 10

Functionally disrupts CNS through overstimulating CNS

Also binds to NMDA receptors, prevents glutamate (excitatory NT) from binding and stimulating them

Question 11

Ketamine Uses

Answer 11

Dissociative general anesthetic, adjunctively useful for pain management

Question 12

Ketamine Disadvantages

Answer 12

Do not use as sole agent for anesthesia, with ICP, head trauma
Caution: Hypertension, heart failure, HCM, hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders

Adverse effects: hypertension, hypersalivation, resp depression, hyperthermia, emesis, erratic/prolonged recovery, spasms, seizures, tremors, cardiac arrest

Question 13

Telazol MOA

Answer 13

Tiletamine- NMDA receptor antagonist

Zolazepam- related to benzodiazepine drugs

Question 14

Telazol Uses

Answer 14

Injectable anesthetic/tranquilizer combo, good analgesia and muscle relaxation, longer duration of effect

Question 15

Telazol Disadvantages

Answer 15

Contraindications: don’t use in rabbits or large exotic cats, cardiac disease, resp dz
Adverse effects: resp depression, tachycardia, emesis, salivation, bronch/trach secretion, apnea, muscle twitching, cyanosis, cardiac arrest

Question 16

Guaifenesin MOA

Answer 16

Mech of action unknown, believed that it acts centrally to block nerve impulse transmission in brain

Question 17

Guaifenesin Uses

Answer 17

Muscle relaxant, adjunctive for anesthesia
For short procedures (30-60 min)
Relaxes laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles, easier intubation

Combined with ketamine provides excitement free induction and recovery from anesthesia in horses

Question 18

Guaifenesin Disadvantages

Answer 18

Adverse effects: mild hypotensive effect and increase in HR, thrombophlebitis possible