What it does
Anaesthetics are medications used to numb pain or induce sleep during medical procedures.
Commonly used for: pain relief during surgery, sedation for medical procedures
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:05:19 · updated 2026-08-03 04:05:39
About this medicine
Anaesthetics are medications used to numb pain or induce sleep during medical procedures.
What it treats
- pain relief during surgery
- sedation for medical procedures
How it works
Anaesthetics work by blocking sensation in the body, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.
Who it's for
Anaesthetics are for patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures that require pain management.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: anaesthetic
Anaesthetics are agents that induce a state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness. They are commonly used in medical procedures to facilitate surgery or invasive diagnostic tests by ensuring the patient does not experience pain or distress. Anaesthetics can be classified into general anaesthetics, which affect the whole body, and local anaesthetics, which provide targeted numbness in a specific area.
Indications
- Surgical procedures
- Diagnostic procedures
- Pain management
- Regional anaesthesia
- Sedation during procedures
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations.
Adults: Refer to the specific formulation and procedure guidelines in the BNF for appropriate dosing.
Mechanism of action
Local anaesthetics work by blocking sodium channels in the neuronal cell membrane, preventing the propagation of action potentials and thereby inhibiting the transmission of pain signals. General anaesthetics may exert their effects through multiple mechanisms, including enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission (such as GABA) and inhibiting excitatory neurotransmission (such as NMDA). This results in a loss of consciousness and sensation.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of anaesthetics involve their ability to induce a reversible state of unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. The specific effects depend on the class of anaesthetic used and its concentration. The onset, duration, and depth of anaesthesia can be influenced by various factors including patient age, weight, and health status.
Pharmacokinetics
Anaesthetics are absorbed into the bloodstream through various routes depending on their formulation (e.g., intravenous, inhalational, topical). Their distribution throughout the body is influenced by blood flow to the tissues and their lipid solubility. Metabolism usually occurs in the liver, and excretion is primarily renal. The pharmacokinetic profile varies between different anaesthetic agents, affecting their onset and duration of action.
Interactions
- anaesthetics,local+antiarrhythmics: Unknown (increases risk of cardiodepression)
- phenytoin+anaesthetics,local: Unknown (decreases exposure)
- axitinib+anaesthetics,local: Unknown (increases exposure)
- ritonavir+anaesthetics,local: Unknown (decreases exposure)
- leflunomide+anaesthetics,local: Unknown (decreases exposure)
- mexiletine+anaesthetics,local: Unknown (increases exposure)
- nitroprusside+anaesthetics,local: Unknown (increases risk of methaemoglobinaemia)
- osilodrostat+anaesthetics,local: Unknown (increases exposure)
- ciprofloxacin+anaesthetics,local: Unknown (increases exposure)
- rifampicin+anaesthetics,local: Unknown (decreases exposure)
Pregnancy
Consult specific guidelines; use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks.
Breast-feeding
Consult specific guidelines; excretion in breast milk is unknown.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.