INTRAVENOUS ANESTHETIC DRUG-INTERACTIONS - PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The spectrum of effects that constitutes the state of general anaesthe sia can be induced by the combined use of drugs. Each drug has a predo minant action regarding one of the anaesthesia components, hypnosis, a nalgesia and amnesia. However, each agent, when used in combination, n ot only produces its own expected effect, but it can also modify the e ffect of another agent acting on a different component. For example, a n opioid, in addition to its anti-nociceptive effect, can also potenti ate the hypnotic effect of a benzodiazepine. Anaesthethetists have lon g recognized these effects but did not quantify them until recently. P harmacologists have provided us with techniques to measure drug intera ctions. We have utilized these techniques to demonstrate and quantify significant pharmacological interactions for hypnotic effect with comm only used intravenous agents. The clinical utility of these combinatio ns can now be exploited precisely for the benefit of all our patients.