Newer Drugs for General Anesthesia

Abstract

Whenever a general anesthetic is administered, the patient's safety must have priority over convenience for the surgeon or pleasantness for the patient. Adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide for elimination are mandatory after respiratory depressant drugs have been given. Hazards in the use of ultra-short-acting barbiturates, muscle relaxants, hypotensive drugs and trichloroethylene are noted. The safety advantages of ether in comparison with all other general anesthetic agents are re-emphasized.