Preanaesthetic medication

Preanaesthetic medication refers to the use of drugs before the administration of an anaesthetic agent, which makes it more pleasant and safe to the patient... 

The tranquillizers like benzodiazepines (diazepam 5-10 mg oral, or lorazepam 2 to 4 mg IM, IV are now preferred for preanaesthetic medication because they produce tranquillity, have better muscle relaxant property and smoothen induction. Other tranquillizer compounds include phenothiazines which possess sedative, antiemetic and antihistaminic properties. They can be given orally as well as parenterally. 

It is mainly indicated for analgesia, as preanaesthetic medication, for epidural and intrathecal analgesia. 

Pre-anaesthetic medication These agents reduce the salivary and respiratory secretion and are administered half an hour before general anaesthesia. They also prevent laryngospasm. Atropine is given in combination with morphine as a preanaesthetic medication to antagonize the central depressant action of morphine on respiration. 

Rapidly acting antimuscarinic lacking central effects. Used for preanaesthetic medication. 

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