Pharmacology in Anesthesia
Buprenorphine is a unique and potent semi-synthetic opioid that has become an increasingly important tool in the anesthesiologist’s arsenal, particularly for pain management and in the perioperative care of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD).
Bupivacaine, marketed under the brand name Marcaine among others, is a long-acting, potent local anesthetic from the amide class. It is a cornerstone of regional anesthesia and pain management, valued for its duration of action but respected for its narrow therapeutic index and potential for severe cardiotoxicity.
Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside that plays a vital role in cellular energy metabolism (as part of ATP) and neuromodulation. In pharmacology, it is a unique and powerful antiarrhythmic drug used for the rapid termination of specific supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs).
Amiodarone is one of the most effective and broad-spectrum antiarrhythmic drugs available. Classified as a Class III agent (potassium channel blocker) in the Vaughan-Williams classification, it is a truly “dirty” drug, exhibiting pharmacologic properties of all four classes.
From an anesthetic perspective, acetaminophen is not a “rescue” drug but rather a foundational component of a modern, balanced anesthetic plan. It is the most widely used analgesic-antipyretic in the world.
Atropine is a naturally occurring tropane alkaloid derived from the deadly nightshade plant (Atropa belladonna). As the prototypical anticholinergic agent, it is a fundamental drug in anesthesia practice.
Epinephrine, commonly known by its trade name Adrenaline, is an endogenous catecholamine and one of the most potent, rapid-acting, and essential drugs in the anesthesiologist’s arsenal.
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is frequently encountered in today’s clinical practice. This colorless, non-flammable gas has a fascinating history and remains one of the oldest anesthetic agents still in use today. It was first synthesized by English chemist Joseph Priestley in 1772, though he didn’t recognize its potential medical applications.
If there’s one drug you need to know inside and out, it’s this one – Propofol. It’s in every OR, every GI lab, and every ICU. It’s elegant, fast, and powerful. But with great power comes great responsibility (and significant hypotension).
Xenon is an anesthetic agent that stands out for its unique properties. This noble gas has gained attention in recent years as an ideal anesthetic with remarkable pharmacological properties.
