Anaesthesia

Abstract This chapter reviews the pharmacology of anaesthetic agents relevant to Emergency Medicine. It covers the topics of intravenous and inhalational agents, sedatives, analgesics, and muscle relaxants. It looks at commonly used drugs such as propofol, ketamine, thiopental, etomidate, benzodiazepines, nitrous oxide, and volatile anaesthetics. It goes on to emphasize their mechanisms, onset, duration, clinical uses, and key adverse effects. Finally, the chapter also outlines the use of depolarizing and non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers, their reversal agents, and principles of local anaesthesia. All of the information maps to the RCEM Basic Sciences syllabus, making it relevant to Emergency Medicine practice and the examination.