Preanesthetic medication Flashcards
Reasons for premed
To calm or sedate an excited, frightened or viscous animal
To minimize adverse effects of concurrently administered drugs
To reduce the required dose of concurrently administered agents
To produce smoother anesthetic inductions and recoveries
To decrease pain and discomfort before, during, and after surgery
To produce muscle relaxation
Pre-emptive analgesia is and why to utilize it
To provide analgesia before tissue injury, including surgery (and after)
Reasons to utilize pre-emptive analgesia
More effective analgesia and takes less medication than treating pain that already exists
Limiting pain before it occurs allows lowering overall amount of anesthetic required and therefore decreases drug risks
Speeds up recovery times
Considerations for selection of preanesthetic protocol
Species and breed
Temperament
Patient history
Physical status of patient
Availability and compatibility of drugs
Route available in that patient (PO,IV,IM,SQ)
Comfort with specific drugs
Procedure
Facilities available
Administering Premedication:
In general, time to effect of preanesthetic:
30-40 min before induction of SQ
10-20 min before induction if IM
3-10 minutes if given IV
Effects will be more pronounced and faster
More pronounced side-effects
Often requires an IV catheter
Patient to be left in quiet for drugs to have full effect
Excited patients require a higher dose of drug for equivalent sedation
Assessing sedation
Parasympathetic signs
prolapsed 3rd eyelid, drooling, constricted pupils
Ataxia
do not leave unattended; anxiety
Recumbency
Decrease in HR, RR, (BP)
Certain drugs can relax inhibitions and animals can become aggressive or exhibit other unusual behaviours
Preanesthetic precautions
Overdose can result in sufficient CNS depression to cause death
In very sick animals, recommended doses can cause lethal overdose
Horses that develop ataxia as a result of sedation can become anxious and enter “fight or flight”
Brachycephalic breeds should be continuously monitored under sedation
Relaxation of the elongated soft palate can cause the airway to close
3 main groups of premedications and would you mix them
Anticholinergics
Tranquilizers and sedatives
Phenothiazines
Benzodiazepines
Alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists (alpha2-agonists)
Opioids
Usually used in combination of 2 or more of the above drugs
DO NOT MIX TWO OR MORE DRUGS UNLESS YOU HAVE A RELIABLE EVIDENCE IT IS SAFE TO DO SO!!
Anticholinergics work on what system and are they controlled
PSN and non controlled drug
Indications of anticholinergics
To counter the parasympathetic effects of many of the other drugs used in balanced anesthesia
Prevent and treat bradycardia
Decrease salivary secretions arising from parasympathetic stimulation (aids in intubation)
Mydriasis (prevents rolling of the eyeball and opens pupil for eye surgeries)
Routes of admin for anticholinergics
Im, SQ, IV and IT (intertracial)
Major effects and adverse effects of anticholinergics
Prevention of bradycardia
Increased HR
Cardiac arrhythmias
Reduction and thickening of resp secretions
Bronchodilation
Mydriasis
Reduction of GI, salivary,, and lacrimal secretions
Inhibition of peristalsis - colic horses
Tranquillisers and sedatives work by and act on what system
Centrally-acting
Cause depression of the CNS
Are tranquilizers and sedatives part of a balanced anesthesia plan and why
Part of balanced anesthesia
Smoother induction
Allows decreased dose of general anaesthetic
Patients recovery faster
Are tranquilizers and sedatives controlled drugs
Many are controlled drugs
Controlled drugs and narcotic act
Record! For inventory and with each individual use
Practice standards: lock and key, strict record of use
Indications of tranquilizers and sedatives
Tranquilizers = reduces anxiety but does not necessarily decrease awareness and wakefulness
Sedative = causes reduced mental activity
The effects of these drugs often overlap because they produce both effects to some degree, to the terms tranquilizer and sedative are often used interchangeably
Different types of tranquilizers and sedatives
Phenothiazines
-Acepromazine
Benzodiazepines
-diazepam (Valium@)
-midazolam (Versed@)
Alpha2-adrenoceptor (alpha2-agonists)
-xylazine (Rompun@)
-dexmedetomidine (DexDomitor@)
Phenothiazines (tranquilizer and sedative) effects what system and is it controlled
Ex. acepromazine
Non-controlled (not technically Pr either)
Approved for horses, dogs and cats
Injectable and oral formulations
No reversal
major side effects and adverse effects of phenothiazines
Reduction of the seizure threshold
Tachycardia or bradycardia
Antiarrhythmic vasodilation
Hypotension
Antiemetic effects
Mechanism of action for phenothiazines
Blocks receptors in the basal ganglia→ CNS depression
Blocks alpha1 adrenergic receptors
Some antihistamine effects
Physiological effects of phenothiazines
Causes calming, reluctance to move and decreased interest in surroundings
Decreased spontaneous activity, ataxia
Vasodilation (due to blocking of alpha1-receptors
Suppressors chemoreceptor trigger zone (antiemetic)
Will slowly cross the placenta
Clinical use of phenothiazine
Anti-anxiety and sedation (relatively mild)
Chemical restraint ot ease handling
Travel
Decreased dose of general anesthetic
Eases induction and recovery
Blocks morphine-induced excitement in cat
Antispasmodic
Antiemetic (decreases vomiting when used together with hydromorphone as preanesthetic)
Common side effects of phenothiazines
Vasodilation (alpha1 receptor blockade); causes hypotension→ monitor BP
Hypothermia in small animals
Sequestering of RBCs in the spleen
Causes splenic enlargement and drops PVC
Caution in splenectomies, anemia
Overdose may cause rigidity or tremors
Ptosis, prolapsed 3rd eyelid in dogs and cats
Can cause aggression of excitement
Other considerations of phenothiazines
Bradycardia but less than many other agents
No analgesia
Antiemetic
Prevents histamine release and decreases allergic response
Worsens depressive effect of other drugs in the resp system
Metabolized by liver
Side effects specific to horses of phenothiazines
Penile prolapse
Facilitates sheath cleaning, examination
But can be irreversible
Caution in breeding stallions
Possible excitement, sweating, tachypnea
Relative contraindications of phenothiazine
Breeding stallions- penile prolapse
BOXERS- may exacerbate underlying arrhythmias
Also avoid in severely debilitated, neonates, geriatrics, preexisting hypotension (blood loss, shock, dehydration), CHF, liver disease, CRF
Related to vasodilation and resultant hypotension
Always use caution when sedating brachycephalic breeds
How to use acepromazine
Can also use alone for anti-anxiety and minor restraint
Used in combination with other drugs for pre-anesthesia
There is a mg/kg dose AND a maximum dose
Increasing the dose does NOT increase sedation but does increase hypotension due to peripheral vasodilation
Works better if not already excited; excitement can decrease the effect
Lasts 4-8 hours
Do not combine with dexmedetomidine
No reversal. If overdose, provide supportive care
Support BP-fluids
Increase the sympathetic response
Butyrophenones is what
Azaperone/Stresnil@
Drug class: butyrophenones (similar to phenothiazines)
Only used in pigs
Very unpredictable results in other species
Blocks dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the CNS
Clinical indications for azaperone
Decreases aggression/fighting during weaning and mixing
Premedication and sedation (castrations)
Antiemetic
Decreases malignant hyperthermia
Potentially fatal genetic condition; increased metabolic rate and muscle activity in response to isoflurane, transport/handling stress
Most commonly occurs in pigs
Benzodiazepines is/when to use/ is it controlled
Ex. diazepam (Valium@), midazolam (Versed@)
Controlled (schedule IV of the controlled drugs and substances act)
Most not labelled for veterinary use therefore an example of ELDU
Injectable and oral (tablets) formulas available
Major effects and adverse effects of benziodiazepines
Antianxiety and calming
Anticonvulsant activity
Disorientation and excitement in young, healthy dogs
Dysphoria and aggression in cats
Muscle fasciculation in horses
Ataxia in recumbency in large animals
Few cardiopulmonary effects
Skeletal muscle relaxation
No analgesia
Does benzodiazepines have a reversal agent
Reversal → flumazenil
Mechanism of action for benzodiazepines
Increase GABA levels in the brain
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter
Indications of benzodiazepines
As part of balanced anaesthesia
Premed to smooth induction and recovery
Can combine with ketamine for induction
Other common indications
Antianxiety to sedation; behavioural modifier
Anticonvulsant for treating seizures
Skeletal muscle relaxant (including urethral relaxation)
benefits of benzodiazepines
Minimal CV effects at appropriate dose
Dose cause dose-dependent resp depression
Smoother induction and recovery
Decreases amount of inhalant GA required
Increase skeletal muscle relaxation
Is benzodiazepine reversable
Reversible drug class
In the event of overdose or adverse reaction, can give the reversal agent (aka antagonists or antidotes)
Precautions of benzodiazepines
Sedation is not always reliable when used alone in animals
Dysphoria/excitement can occur
May unmask latent aggression in some animals (animals lose inhibitions)
Precautions with horses on benzodiazepines
Muscle fasciculation
Weakness, ataxia
Do not give alone except for seizures in adults
Contraindications of benzodiazepines
AVOID in pregnancy/caesarean
Will cross the placenta
Causes similar to FLOPPY BABY SYNDROME
Skeletal muscle relaxation in the neonate
Asphyxiation form relaxation of resp muscle
Diazepam is what drug class and used on what
Benzodiazepine
Commonly used
Dog, cat, horse, pig
Clinical indications of diazepam
Anticonvulsant for emergency treatment of seizures
Antianxiety (noise phobias) at lower dose
Sedation in some patients at higher dose
Must be used in combination with other drugs in cats and horses (and some dogs) or may cause excitement
Skeletal muscle relaxant
Relaxes urethral sphincter (blocked cats and dogs)
Can mix with ketamine for induction (KetVal)
Indications of diazepam
Inexpensive
Can be administered by many routes:
IV solution- painful/unreliably absorbed if given IM/SQ
Can give intrarectal if seizing patient
Also available as oral tablets
Dose varies depending on the route
Lasts 30 min - 2h
May cause a prolonged hangover effect
Historically used as appetite stimulant in cats- doesn’t really work-risky
handling and storage of diazepam
Controlled drug
Not water soluble
Will form precipitate if mixed with other drugs
Never use if precipitate forms
Only exception is KETAMINE (KetVal)
Store IV solution in glass containers
Drug binds to plastic with time
Keep from light
Flush IV lines immediately after administering
Binds to plastic and will form precipitate if still present in line/verin when drug is administered
Adverse effects; contraindications of diazepam
Contradiction for caesarean
Floppy baby syndrome
Depressed, poor muscle tone, excessive sedation
Aggressive dogs
Can bring latent aggression
Using alone in horses
Excitement and ataxia
Cats
Can cause sudden liver failure- increase risk with increase doses
Therefore avoid use as an appetite stimulant
midazolam/Versed@ is what type of drug class and used when
Benzodiazepines
Very similar to diazepam
Easier to use, but more expensive
How is midazolam different from diazepam
Twice as potente
Shorter acting
Compatible with many agents as it is water soluble
Can give IM, SQ, IV
CANNOT use alone
Not used as anticonvulsant
Flumazenil is what drug class
Antagonsit
Flumazil works for what drugs
Reversal agent (aka antagonist) for benzodiazepines including diazepam and midazolam
How does flumazil work
Binds to and blocks GABA receptors
More attraction for the GABA receptor then the benzodiazepines
Therefore, knocks of any benzodiazepine drug already bound to the receptor
Little to no effect on its own
Solemn used because $$$$ and short duration of action of diazepam/midazolam
Is Alpha2 adrenergic agonists (tranquilizer and sedative) controlled
No
Alpha2 adrenergic agonists effects and adverse effects
Dose dependent sedation that can be profound
Analgesia
Agitation or aggression when touched
Reaction to loud noises
Muscle tremors in horses
Cattle often lie down
Initial hypertension, bradycardia, and pale MM followed by hypotension, decreased cardiac output, and a little further decrease in the heart rate
Severe decrease in heart rate, BP, cardiac output, and tissue perfusion especially when high doses are given
Respiratory depression that can be severe
Muscle relaxation
Vomiting in cats and dogs
Adverse GI effects (bloat and colic)
Hyperglycemia
Hypothermia
Increased urination
Premature parturition in cattle
Horses may sweat
Large animal apla2 adrenergic agonist
Xylazine (Rompun@)
Detomidine (Dormosedan@)
Romifidine (Sedivet@)
Small animal alpha2 adrenergic agonist
Dexmedetomidine (Dexodomitor@)
Is the drug class Alpd2 adrenergic agonist reversable
Yes
Mechanism of action of alpha2 adrenergic agonist
Drugs bind to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors
Activation of alpha 2 receptors causes inhibition of release of norepinephrine and dopamine
Decreases overall sympathetic response
Metabolized by the liver; excreted by the kidneys
Physiological effect of alpa2-recptor activation
Overall CNS depression
Decreased overall ability to respond to stimuli
This action is enhanced if given together with an opioid or other sedative or tranquilizer
Decreases sympathetic response
Bradycardia- consistent, immediate, significant; as low as 12 bpm in a large dog
Resp depression
Increases parasympathetic nervous system
Increased GI motility (except in ruminants)
Indications of alpha2 adrenergic agonist
Rapid and reversible sedation
Mild analgesia on own
Can be used for neuroleptanalgesia
Occurs when alpha-2 agonist is combined with an opioid and given at a fairly high dose
A state of lack of awareness associated with very heavy sedation combined with strong analgesia
Used for minor procedures e.g. suturing lacerations in horses
Centrally-mediated muscle relaxation
adverse effects of alpha 2 adrenergic agonist
Severe hypotension
Can hyperventilate on room air
Possible arrhythmias with some of the older drugs
Increased risk if given too fast IV
Increased risk if also given atropine
Ataxia
Cattle can become recumbent, decreased rumen motility, risk of bloat and may cause abortion
Horses can become reactive to stimuli if give alone- noise, touch
Emesis in cats
Why does alpha 2 adrenergic agonsit cause hypotension
Related to significant bradycardia
Decreased pulse, MM become very pale
Do not use with acepromazine in small animals
Why can animals hyperventilate on room air when under alpha 2 adrenergic agonist
Decreased RR and resp volume
Enhances the resp depressant effect of other sedatives and anesthetics
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS IN BRACHYCEPHALIC DOGS
Ruminant very sensitive to resp effects
Warning and contraindications of alpha2 adrenergic agonist
Avoid or use extreme caution in pediatrics, geriatric
Avoid if severely dehydrated, in shock, cardiovascular disease, severe resp disease, or severe renal disease
Avoid if advanced liver disease
Avoid or use extreme care with acepromazine
Acpreomazine→ severe hypotension from combination of bradycardia and vasodilation; will plummet the BP and there is no way to bring it back other then reversal
However it can be fail safe group IF you have reversal on hand
MONITOR! MONITOR! MONITOR!