“What chemicals are in anesthesia?”

The answer to this question could compromise an entire book! "Anesthesia" can be administered with a variety of techniques and medications. There are local anesthetics (like lidocaine or novacaine) that can be ester compounds or amide compounds. There are muscle relaxants like succinylcholine or rocuronium, as well as reversal or competitive agents for these medications (e.g., neostigmine, sugammadex). There are intravenous agents like propofol, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, which all have different pharmacology and mechanisms of action. There are benzodiazepines (like ativan or valium), opioids (fentanyl, morphine, etc.). We use volatile halogenated fluorocarbons (inhaled anesthetic agents) and laughing gas. We also use a variety of agents we use to control blood pressure.

Paul Jacob Fronapfel, M.D.