BLOG #8
Drug |
Effect on different systems in the body |
Halothane (1st series standard) |
CNS Fast smooth muscle induction, stage II present. ↑ cerebral blood flow and ↑ intracranial pressure. Cardiovascular system ↓BP, Sensitizes myocardium for arrhythmogenic effects of catecholamines Bradycardia (↓Heart Rate) Respiratory system No saliva, Bronchial secretions, or cough. Uterus ↓ muscle contractions Halothane was commonly used to promote the external twisting of the baby. If the baby is not in the correct position in the birth canal then they would turn the baby externally. Liver Hepatotoxic (rare & unpredictable). Be careful in pt’s with liver cirrhosis, and decreased liver functioning. |
Enflurane |
CNS Fast, smooth induction convulsions. CI in elpileptic pts. Cardiovascular system No sensitisation of the myocardium. Less oppressive than Halothane. Respiratory system More suppressive than Halothane. |
Isoflurane |
CNS Faster induction & recovery than Halothane Cardiovascular system Less oppressive than Halothane No sensitization of myocardium Respiratory system MOST POTENT RESPIRATORY DEPRESSOR. Potent ↓ effect Skeletal muscle relaxing effects |
Desflurane |
CNS Faster induction & recovery than Isoflurane ↑ Intracranial pressure ↑ cerebral blood flow Cardiovascular effects Less suppressive effect than Halothane & Enflurane Respiratory system Potent smell Irritating in airways If used as inducing agent, it causes a cough, SOB and laryngospasm |
Sevoflurane |
Effects similar to Desflurane, less irritation of airways. Potentiate the effects of the non-depolarising muscle relaxants like the other halogenated ethers. Undergoes liver metabolism & chemically unstable. *Caution in pts with reduced/ compromised liver function. |
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) *Inorganic gas |
CNS Weak anesthetic, potent analgesic, amnesia Cardiovascular system No effect Respiratory system Pure N2O causes hypoxia. Must always be mixed with O2 or air. Recovery phase: N2O fast diffusion from the blood to the alveoli and is expired outside, ↓ O2 pressure = hypoxia No skeletal muscle relaxing effects |
1. Nephrotoxicity
2. Hematoxicity
3. Malignant hypernatremia
4. Hepatotoxicity
Brand, L. 2021. General Anesthetics. Study Unit 5 [PowerPoint Presentation]. Unpublished Lecture Notes on eFundi. FKLG 312. Potchefstroom:NWU