“What drug is used for general anesthesia?”
My son needs to have back surgery under general anesthesia. What drugs are typically used for general anesthesia? Do they have the same drugs and dosage as adults?
5 Answers
Similar drugs are used in appropriate dosages. Sevoflurane and propofol are the most common
Dr. J. Arthur Saus
Anesthesiologist
There are many different drugs used for general anesthesia, and different routes of administering them. In most instances in children who are old enough to be in school, and in adults, an IV is placed first (usually in one arm or hand) and Intravenous medications are administered to initiate the state of general anesthesia. General anesthesia is them maintained by inhalation of gases that provide anesthesia, and when these are discontinued at the end of the surgical procedure, consciousness returns fairly rapidly. In general, the drugs used in children are the same as used in adults, but the dose of each of the drugs administered is adjusted for the smaller body size of the child, just as the dose is adjusted for smaller adults when compared to larger adults.
There are a variety of drugs used for anesthesia and choice depend on the anesthesiologists and patient medical conditions. In children, most drugs given are weight based unless they are above 70 kg, then it is titrated as needed. Drug choices depends on type of surgery, duration of surgery and expectations of surgery. Any specific question can be asked on the day of surgery and they will be happy to answer.
There are several different drugs used for general anesthesia. They may be fused by wright. This is a great question for your anesthesia provider on day of surgery or prepping clinic if there is one.
From Christopher Creighton
From Christopher Creighton
Yes, the anesthetic agents used on adults are the same as those used in children. The dosages are safely adjusted. Since ur son is having lumbar or thoracic spine surgery the surgeon may ask for spinal cord, Neuro- monitoring during manipulation of the vertebra; if Neuro monitoring is employed ur son should have an infusion (IV) of propofol and remi-fentanyl so the neuro monitoring isn’t affected by the anesthetic gases. This type of anesthesia is called TIVA. Ur son will probably w/ TIVA have a small amount of Sevoflurane, about 0.4% MAC.
The type of surgery dictates the anesthetic plan.
The type of surgery dictates the anesthetic plan.
