How does volatile anesthetic work?

The exact mechanism of action for inhaled anesthetics remains mostly unknown. Fundamentally, inhaled anesthetics work within the central nervous system by augmenting signals to chloride channels (GABA receptors) and potassium channels while depressing neurotransmission pathways.

How are volatile anesthetics metabolized?

Metabolism of volatile anaesthetics can take place by numerous different mechanisms which include oxidation, reduction, dehalogenation, hy- drolysis and synthesis or conjugation. In most inci- dences in vivo detoxification is of value in protecting the body from a variety of xenobiotic agents.

Which drug is used as volatile liquid general anesthesia?

The modern inhalation anesthetics that are predominantly used in clinical practice include one gas—nitrous oxide—and three volatile liquid anesthetics—isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane. Halothane, methoxyflurane, and enflurane remain commercially available but are rarely used.

Which volatile anesthetic agent is most potent?

Isoflurane has the lowest MAC, requiring the lowest alveolar concentration to abolish motor response, and is the most potent agent of the three mentioned.

What are volatile Anaesthetic agents?

Volatile anaesthetics exert their effects at multiple sites throughout the central nervous system. It appears that volatile agents preferentially potentiate GABAA receptors and two-pore domain K+ channels, whereas the anaesthetic gases nitrous oxide and xenon inhibit N-methyl-d-aspartate channels.

How do volatile anesthetics cause muscle relaxation?

Volatile anesthetics enhance the neuromuscular blockade produced by nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (NDMRs). The neuromuscular junction is a postulated site of this interaction.

What are volatile anaesthetic agents?

How are anesthetic gases metabolized?

Excretion of the end product is through the kidneys, hepatobiliary system, or lungs. 6 Less than 5% of inhaled anesthetic is metabolized in the body and the elimination predominantly is through lungs, i.e. alveolus.

Which is a volatile liquid?

A volatile liquid is one that evaporates or vaporizes quickly at room temperature. Volatile liquids have low boiling point. As a result, they evaporate very easily at room temperature.

What is a volatile liquid in medicine?

More drug profiles Volatile substance use may be defined as the deliberate inhalation of volatile compounds to produce psychoactive effects. These compounds have few characteristics in common, other than their intoxication effects and the behavioural effects they produce.

What factors affect MAC?

Factors reducing MAC

  • Stimulants.
  • Chronic alcohol dependence.
  • Exogenous catecholamine use.
  • Hyperthyroidism.
  • Hyperthermia.
  • Young age.
  • Anxiety and stress.

How do volatile anesthetics bronchodilation?

Volatile anesthetics also produce dose-dependent bronchodilation by directly relaxing airway smooth muscle. Several mechanisms contribute to this direct relaxation (Fig. 5-12).

How do volatile anaesthetics work?

Volatile anaesthetics depress this receptor in several cell types which, at least in part, accounts for their anaesthetic action. Nitrous oxide, Xenon and ketamine preferentially act on the N-methyl-D-aspartate ( NMDA ) receptor The Muscarinic complex is important in memory and consciousness.

Are volatile anesthetics used in the intensive care unit?

Conclusions References CITING ARTICLES Volatile anesthetic agent use in the intensive care unit, aided by technological advances, has become more accessible to critical care physicians.

Which drugs act at multiple sites to produce anaesthesia?

It is clear that drugs that act at multiple sites to produce anaesthesia. The GABA A receptor-chloride channel is a ligand-gated inhibitory complex that contains modulatory sites for benzodiazepines, barbiturates, etomidate, propofol, steroid anaesthetics and volatile anaesthetics.

What are volatile sedatives and how do they work?

Volatile agents may possess important end-organ protective properties mediated via cytoprotective and antiinflammatory mechanisms. However, like all sedatives, volatile agents are capable of deeply sedating patients, which can have respiratory depressant effects and reduce patient mobility.