How Do Systemic General Anesthetics Work?

Systemic general anesthetics are drugs used for making a person sleep throughout a surgery. 

General anesthesia works by interrupting nerve signals in the brain and body. Thus, it prevents the brain from processing pain (analgesia) and from recollecting events during surgery (amnesia).

In systemic general anesthetics, anesthesia is administered through an intravenous line. It depresses the excitatory neurohormones in the central nervous system and stimulates inhibitory neurohormones to induce and maintain analgesic and amnesic effects.

Systemic general anesthetics are used for inducing:

• General anesthesia

Off-label uses include:

• To treat Cushing syndrome
• For sedation

Some of the side effects of systemic general anesthetics include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Hoarse voice
• Sleepiness
• Shivering
• Muscle aches
• Itching
• Confusion, especially in older people
• Hiccups
• Apnea (temporary cessation of breathing)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of systemic general anesthetics include:

• Amidate
• Brevital
• Diprivan
• Etomidate
• Fospropofol
• Ketalar
• Ketamine
• Lusedra
• Methohexital
• Propofol