Anesthetic Drugs
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Learning objectives: Learn about the anesthetic drugs that act on the nervous system (the central nervous system and peripheral nerves) to block pain signals and sensation., their classification and mechanism of action
Introduction
Anesthesia medicines are specialized drugs (anesthetics) that temporarily block nerve signals and prevent pain, discomfort, or awareness during medical procedures and surgeries
If we remember a scene in "The Trouble with Mr. Bean" where Mr. Bean went to a dentist and took the medical syringe from the dentist. While visiting the dentist, Mr. Bean accidentally injects the dentist's leg with local anesthetic, knocking the dentist out cold and forcing Bean to clumsily perform his own dental work.
Note: Defibrillation does not jump-start a completely flatlined heart (asystole). This demonstration for teaching purpose, please do not try by yourself. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are designed specifically for everyday people, including untrained bystanders, to operate simply and quickly during a sudden cardiac arrest.
Main Types of Anesthesia
Local Anesthesia: Numbs a very small, specific area of the body (such as for a skin biopsy or dental work) while you stay completely awake. It can be applied via a gel, spray, or injection. [1, 2]
Regional Anesthesia: Blocks pain in a larger region of the body, such as an entire limb or everything below the waist (e.g., an epidural during childbirth or a spinal block). You may remain awake or receive mild sedation. [1, 2]
Monitored Sedation ("Twilight Sleep"): Relaxes you and makes you drowsy or lightheaded during procedures like a colonoscopy. You are not fully unconscious, and you often will not remember the event. [1]
General Anesthesia: Uses a combination of intravenous (IV) drugs and inhaled gases to induce a deep, controlled state of unconsciousness. You do not feel pain, touch sensations, or retain memories of major surgeries. [1, 2, 3]
How It Is Delivered
Injections or IV lines: Medications are injected directly into tissue, a vein, or near the spinal cord.
Inhalation: Gases or vapors are breathed in through a mask or breathing tube.
Topical or Patches: Creams, sprays, or skin patches numb surface areas.
Wilson & Gisvold's Textbook of Organic Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Edited by Charles Owens Wilson, Ole Gisvold, John H. Block, John M. Beale; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003
An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry,
Graham L. Patrick
4th Edition, 2009, Oxford University Press
FOYE’S PRINCIPLES OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 6TH EDITION
Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design
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