Classification of General Anesthetics 

General Anesthetics – these words often conjure images of an operating room, surgery, and unconsciousness.

What are General Anesthetics?

General anesthetics are drugs used to induce a reversible loss of consciousness, making a patient unaware and unresponsive to surgical procedures or other medical interventions. They’re essential for modern medicine, allowing complex surgeries to be performed painlessly. Let’s classify them into some common categories:

Classification

Inhalation Anesthetics

These anesthetics are gases or volatile liquids that patients inhale. They’re delivered through a mask or a breathing tube. Common examples include:

• Nitrous Oxide: Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is used in dental procedures and minor surgeries. It provides pain relief and a sense of relaxation.
• Desflurane, Sevoflurane, and Isoflurane: These are volatile liquids used in the operating room. They induce and maintain anesthesia during surgeries.

Intravenous (IV) Anesthetics

IV anesthetics are administered through a vein. They work quickly and are often used to induce anesthesia before switching to inhalation anesthetics for maintenance. Some examples are:

• Propofol: Known as the “milk of amnesia” due to its milky appearance, propofol induces rapid anesthesia and is commonly used for procedures like colonoscopies.
• Etomidate: Etomidate is favored for patients with cardiovascular instability as it has minimal effects on blood pressure and heart rate.
• Ketamine: Ketamine can induce dissociative anesthesia, where patients may appear awake but are detached from their surroundings. It’s often used for short procedures.

Intramuscular Anesthetics

These are injected into the muscles and are typically used when IV access is challenging. An example is:

• Dexmedetomidine: Although more commonly used for sedation, dexmedetomidine can also be used as an adjunct to other anesthetics.

Balanced Anesthesia

In many cases, a combination of different anesthetics is used to achieve balanced anesthesia. This approach aims to minimize the side effects of each drug while maximizing their benefits.

Local Anesthetics

While not general anesthetics in the traditional sense, local anesthetics are worth mentioning. They block sensation in a specific area of the body, allowing for procedures without general anesthesia. Examples include lidocaine and bupivacaine.

Reference

• Classification of Progestins- KD Tripathi
• National Library of Medicine- General Anesthesia for Surgeons

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