General Anesthetics Classification and Use According to Route of Administration

Inhaled anesthetics currently in use include halo-genated volatile liquids such as desflurane, enflurane, halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, and sevoflurane (Table 11-1). These volatile liquids are all chemically similar, but newer agents such as desflurane and sevoflurane are often used preferentially because they permit a more rapid onset, a faster recovery, and better control during anesthesia compared to older agents such as halothane.915 These volatile liquids likewise represent the primary form of inhaled anesthetics. The only gaseous anesthetic currently in widespread use is nitrous oxide, which is usually reserved for relatively short-term procedures (e.g., tooth extractions). Earlier inhaled anesthetics, such as ether, chloroform, and cyclopropane, are not currently used because they are explosive in nature or produce toxic effects that do not occur with the more modern anesthetic agents. 

When given in appropriate doses, several categories of central nervous system (CNS) depressants can serve as 

FIGURE 11-1 Schematic diagram of a closed anesthesia system. [/] Vaporizer for volatile liquid anesthetics. [2] Compressed gas source. [3] Inhalation unidirectional valve. [4] Mask. [5] Unidirectional exhalation valve. [6] Rebreathing bag. [73 Carbon dioxide absorption chamber. 

Desflurane [Suprane] Enflurane [Ethrane] Halothane [Fluothane] Isoflurane [Forane] Methoxyflurane [Penthrane] Sevoflurane [Ultane] 

Benzodiazepines Diazepam [Valium] Lorazepam [Ativan] Midazolam [Versed] 

---

General Anesthetics Classification and Use According to Route of Administration... 

---