Editing Principles of GA

Modern anaesthetists generally use an IV induction agent, inhaled maintenance agents, along with supplementary IV opioids and muscle relaxants.

* However TIVA is also an option

== Inhalational agents ==

== IV agents ==

* Preferred for most adult patients and many older children
* IV induction is rapid, pleasant, and safe for most patients
** Propofol
*** Pain on injection
*** Hypotension - be careful with hypovolaemic patients or those that will tolerate hypotension poorly
*** Induces excellent bronchodilation
** Sodium thiopental
** Ketamine
*** Increases BP and HR
*** Can be used as the sole anaesthetic for brief procedures
*** However no visceral anaesthesia, no muscle relaxation, doesn't completely control movement
** Methohixital 
** Etomidate
** Midazolam

== Neuromuscular blockers ==

* Prevent movement in response to noxious stimuli
* Can mask the signs of inadequate anaesthesia
* Need to be either reversed or checked worn off at the end of anaesthesia
** Reverse with neostigmine
* Depolarising
** Succinylcholine
*** Rapid-onset, short duration of action
*** Few contraindications
* Non-depolarising



[[Category:Anaesthetics]]