VT131 — Anesthetic Drugs 1 & 2: Study Guide

A set of 40 flashcards covering key concepts from VT131 lecture on anesthetic drugs.

Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC)

A standardized way to compare potency among inhalant anesthetics, representing the concentration needed to prevent movement in 50% of patients.

Blood-Gas Solubility Coefficient

Low solubility allows for rapid induction and recovery of inhalant anesthetics.

Isoflurane

An inhalant anesthetic known for dose-dependent cardiovascular depression, particularly hypotension.

Ketamine

A dissociative injectable anesthetic characterized by open eyes, rigidity, and hypersalivation.

Dissociatives

A class of anesthetics that provide immobilization and analgesia but may need additional muscle relaxants.

Alfaxalone

A neurosteroid injectable anesthetic distinct from other categories like dissociatives.

Propofol

A milky white lipid emulsion used as an anesthetic, requiring slow titration to prevent apnea.

Telazol

A combination product containing tiletamine and zolazepam, enhancing sedation and muscle relaxation.

Phenothiazines

A class of tranquilizers used for calming and smoother handling in anesthesia protocols.

Opioids

Primarily used for analgesia, associated with bradycardia and respiratory depression.

Neuroleptanalgesia

The combination of an opioid and a tranquilizer to achieve sedation and analgesia.

Benzodiazepines

Anesthetics valued for reliable skeletal muscle relaxation.

Diazepam

A benzodiazepine with poor water solubility, usually formulated in a nonaqueous solvent.

Anticholinergics

Drugs, such as Atropine, used for rapid onset in emergencies, particularly for bradycardia.

Alpha-2 Agonists

A class of drugs whose effect can be reversed by atipamezole.

Titration to Effect

The practice of giving small incremental doses until the desired clinical endpoint is achieved.

Agonist

A drug that activates a receptor and produces a response.

DEA

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, responsible for regulating controlled substances.

Inhalant Induction Speed

The speed of inhalant anesthesia induction is inversely related to the blood-gas solubility.

MAC and Potency

A lower MAC indicates higher potency among inhalant anesthetics.

Propofol Administration

Requires careful, incremental dosing to minimize risks such as apnea.

Dissociative Pattern

Characterized by open eyes, rigidity, and hypersalivation in animals, particularly cats.

Telazol Components

Combines tiletamine (dissociative) with zolazepam (benzodiazepine) for enhanced anesthetic effects.

Acepromazine Role

Used for calmer handling in anesthesia, not primarily for analgesia.

Common Opioid Effects

Bradycardia and respiratory depression are key effects to monitor during opioid use.

Non-Aqueous Diazepam

Commonly found in formulations due to its poor water solubility.

Atropine Use

Preferred anticholinergic in emergencies for its rapid onset in treating bradycardia.

Dexmedetomidine Reversal

Atipamezole is used to reverse the effects of dexmedetomidine.

Balanced Anesthesia Concept

Involves combining agents to optimize sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation.

Blood-Gas Solubility Effect

Inhalants with low solubility provide faster recovery and induction.

Opioid + Tranquilizer

The combination used in neuroleptanalgesia for sedation and analgesia.

Monitoring During Anesthesia

Patients on opioids or isoflurane require careful cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring.

Muscle Relaxants

Often paired with agents causing rigidity to achieve proper muscle relaxation.

Regulation Implications

Controlled substances require compliance in storage, ordering, and documentation.

Safety Concept in Anesthesia

Titration aims to minimize dose-related complications and enhance patient safety.

Clinical Endpoint in Anesthesia

The desired effect of anesthetic administration, achieved through careful titration.

Hypotension in Anesthesia

Common adverse effect associated particularly with the use of isoflurane.

Halothane and Sevoflurane

Other inhalants in comparison to isoflurane regarding onset and recovery.

Propofol Formulation

Identified by its lipid emulsion composition for intravenous administration.

Clinical Monitoring Priorities

Crucial in the administration of opioids to watch for bradycardia and respiratory depression.