(PM3B) General Anaesthetics Flashcards
What is Lister’s carbolic spray?
Antiseptic
What are the aims of general anaesthesia?
(1) Loss of consciousness (+ amnesia)
(2) Analgesia
(3) Muscle relaxation (immobility)
Give an example of a halogenated hydrocarbon.
Isoflurane
Give an example of a barbiturate.
Thiopental
What is lipid theory?
Idea that general anaesthetics acted by integrating into the plasma membrane
How is anaesthetic action measured?
Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)
The concentration of vapour in the lungs that is needed to prevent movement in 50% of subjects in response to pain stimulus
Inversely proportional to potency
Lower MAC value = more potent volatile anaesthetic
What does a low MAC value indicate?
More potent volatile anaesthetic
What effect do general anaesthetics have on a cellular level?
Inhibit synaptic transmission
What are the actions of general anaesthetics on the CNS?
(1) Inhibit excitatory ion channels such as glutamate + ACh ionotropic receptors
(2) Activate inhibitory ion channels such as GABA(A) ionotropic receptors and two-pore potassium channels
i. e. to reduce excitation/ increase inhibition
How do general anaesthetics exhibit an effect on consciousness?
Act at midbrain reticular formation
How do general anaesthetics exhibit an analgesic effect?
Act at thalamic sensory relay nuclei
How do some general anaesthetics exhibit an effect on amnesia and memory?
Act on hippocampus
e.g. rohypnol
How do general anaesthetics exhibit an effect on loss of reflexes?
Acts on spinal level
Contributes to control of motor function
Leads to muscle relaxation
What effect do general anaesthetics have on the cardiovascular system?
Cause circulatory depression
Decreases cardiac contractility
What effect do general anaesthetics have on the respiratory system?
Profound respiratory depression
What effect do general anaesthetics have on muscles?
Action at neuromuscular junction (NMJ)
Causes muscle relaxation
What are the stages of general anaesthesia?
(1) Premedication
(2) Induction
(3) Maintenance
(4) Pain relief
(5) Muscle relaxation
What is premedication?
Combined drug treatment 1-3 Horus prior to anaesthesia
What is the purpose of premedication?
(1) Reduce anxiety/ pain/ secretions/ vagal reflexes/ postoperative nausea + vomiting
(2) Increase amnesia/ hypnotic effects of anaesthesia
What drug classes are used in premedication?
(1) Benzodiazepines
- e.g. diazepam
- increases inhibitory GABA release
- sedative + anxiolytic effect
(2) mAChR antagonist
- e.g. atropine
- prevents vagal reflexes + secretion
(3) Opioid receptor antagonist
- e.g. morphine
- sedative + reduction of pain
(4) PPI
- metoclopramide
- limits nausea + vomiting
What is induction?
IV bolus agents
Induce loss of consciousness + amnesia