Local anesthetics can be injected or sprayed in a small region to create a localized area without sensation, or can be injected next to major nerves to decrease the sensation to an entire limb. These are also commonly known as “numbing agents”. Local anesthetics are medications that block the conduction of impulses in nerves that relay pain signals. In children, midazolam can be given orally as a liquid or nasal, as a spray, prior to a procedure. Anesthesiologists commonly give midazolam (Versed®) via IV injection for this purpose. These medications are usually given pre-operatively to relax a patient before getting to the operating room.

They may also cause anterograde amnesia, where the patient does not remember the events following the administration of the medication, typically for a few hours. In higher doses, they can also be used to induce sleep. It is important that a patient is monitored carefully during the administration of these medications, as they can reduce the drive to breathe.Īnxiolytics are medications that help to reduce or alleviate anxiety and relax the body. Anesthesiologists administer these drugs intra-operative (during surgery) and post-operatively (after surgery) to help control pain. Some of the commonly utilized narcotics include morphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone (Dilaudid®), merperidine (Demerol®) and oxycodone (Ox圜ontin®). These drugs can be administered by several different modalities, including IV, oral or transdermal (skin patch). Narcotics: This class of analgesics are very potent pain relievers.This class of analgesic is not as commonly used in the operative setting because it has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding following some procedures. It is administered either as an intravenous or as an intramuscular injection. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID): Anesthesiologists will sometimes use the NSAID ketorolac (Toradol®) to help with post-operative pain.It is commonly used in the post-operative setting in combination with the narcotic analgesics such as hydrocodone (Norco®, Lortab®). Acetaminophen (Tylenol®): This can be given as a pill or injected through an intravenous line (iv).Some of the medications commonly administered by anesthesiologists include: This class of medication can be subdivided into a multitude of different categories based on how each type of drug works to accomplish this task. These range from mild sedatives for minor procedures to potent inhalational gases and muscle relaxants for major or lengthy surgeries.Īn analgesic is a medication that helps to relieve pain. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions – Office-based AnesthesiaĪnesthesiologists use a variety of medications in their practice to keep patients safe, relaxed and pain-free for their surgeries.Airway Management for General Anesthesia.FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions for Sedation Dentistry.Preanesthesia Instructions For Sedation Dentistry.Anesthesia for Pediatric Dental Surgery – Surgery Center.FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions in Pediatric Anesthesia.

Does general anesthesia make you loopy