Learning objectives: Learn about the Anaesthetic drugs, their classification, mechanism of action and side effects.

Anaesthetics are medications used to temporarily block nerve signals and cause a loss of sensation, awareness, or pain during medical and dental procedures. 

Main Types of Anaesthesia

• Local Anaesthesia: Numbs a small, specific area of the body (such as a tooth or patch of skin) while you remain fully awake. Commonly administered via injection or topical cream (like Numit 5% Cream).

• Regional Anaesthesia: Blocks pain in a larger region of the body (such as an arm, leg, or from the waist down during childbirth) using a nerve block or epidural. You may be awake or lightly sedated.

• General Anaesthesia: Induces a controlled, reversible state of total unconsciousness so you do not feel, see, or hear anything during major surgery. It is given via an intravenous (IV) line or an inhaled gas mask, with vital functions closely supported by a specialist.

• Sedation: Uses medication to help you relax or sleep lightly during minor procedures, often leaving you with little to no memory of the event.

Safety and Common Side Effects

• Immediate Aftermath: Mild side effects can include nausea, a sore throat (if a breathing tube was used), drowsiness, shivering, or temporary confusion.

• Post-Procedure Rules: Because anaesthetic drugs linger in be body system, the recipient should not drive, sign legal documents, or make major decisions for at least 24 hours.

• Rare Risks: Serious complications like malignant hyperthermia, severe allergic reactions, or local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) are rare but managed immediately by trained medical staff.

Practice questions

Further learning

• Local anesthetics ~pharmacology

• Memorise Local Anaesthetics in 6 Minutes!

References