ADVERSE-EFFECTS OF GENERAL-ANESTHETICS - INCIDENCE AND THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS

Drugs used for the induction, maintenance and reversal of anaesthesia carry the risk of adverse reactions. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) inc lude overdose, adverse and secondary effects, idiosyncratic reactions, drugs intolerance and allergic reactions. Reports of severe ADRs in a naesthesia appear to be increasing. This has been attributed to the us e of a greater number of drugs during the perioperative period as well as to cross-reactivity between drugs. ADRs usually occur during the i nduction of anaesthesia, but may occur at any time in the perioperativ e period. In 60 to 80% of cases, the observed manifestation of ADRs du ring general anaesthesia is cardiovascular collapse. In one report, ov erdose was found to contribute to anaesthetic mortality in 43 of 161 p atients. Adequate knowledge of drug pharmacology, experience with the use of drugs and proper perioperative assessment of patients are neede d for the prevention of ADRs in anaesthesia.