Preanesthetic medication therapy
Preanesthetic Medication Therapy
Preanesthetic medication therapy is a method used to reduce the risk of complications from anesthesia. Preanesthetic medications are administered prior to general anesthesia to reduce anxiety, reduce secretions, and to provide sedation. This medication therapy allows patients to have a smoother induction to general anesthesia and can help reduce the amount of anesthesia necessary to achieve anesthetic goals.
Preanesthetic medication therapy usually consists of three types of drugs:
- A preanesthetic agent to reduce anxiety
- A preanesthetic agent to reduce secretions
- A sedative to provide sedation
Benefits of Preanesthetic Medication Therapy
Preanesthetic medication therapy offers many benefits to patients, including:
- Reduced anxiety and stress levels
- Faster induction
- Less medication is needed to achieve general anesthesia
- Reduced risk of complications associated with anesthesia
- Enhanced patient satisfaction
Risks of Preanesthetic Medication Therapy
Although preanesthetic medication therapy has many benefits, it can also have some risks. These risks include:
- Drug interactions – preanesthetic medications may interact with other medication or supplements that the patient is taking
- Allergic reactions – the preanesthetic medications can cause allergic reactions in some patients
- Cardiovascular effects – preanesthetic medications can cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Respiratory effects – preanesthetic medications can cause respiratory depression or respiratory arrest
- Hematologic effects – preanesthetic medications can cause blood clotting or clotting disorders.
Conclusion
Preanesthetic medication therapy is an important part of the anesthetic process. By using preanesthetic medications, patients can experience reduced anxiety, faster induction and reduced risk of complications associated with anesthesia. However, preanesthetic medication therapy can also have risks, so it is important to discuss these risks with patients before administering preanesthetic medications.