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Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview

Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview

Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.

General Anesthesia: Overview

General Anesthesia: Overview

Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
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Noble Gases

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The elements in group 18 are noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon). They earned the name “noble” because they were assumed to be nonreactive since they have filled valence shells. In 1962, Dr. Neil Bartlett at the University of British Columbia proved this assumption to be false.

Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications

Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications

Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...

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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

Published on: January 13, 2018

Xenon as an anesthetic agent.

Bryan D Jordan¹, Elizabeth Laura Wright

¹University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

|November 12, 2010

Summary

Xenon, a noble gas, exhibits anesthetic properties by inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Its potential as an inhalational anesthetic agent is being explored, despite high manufacturing costs.

Area of Science:

Inorganic Chemistry
Anesthesiology
Pharmacology

Background:

Xenon, discovered in 1898, is a rare noble gas with diverse applications.
Its anesthetic properties were identified in 1939.
Current use is limited, primarily in Europe, due to high production costs.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the anesthetic properties of xenon.
To discuss current and potential research regarding xenon as an anesthetic agent.
To explore xenon's potential as a replacement for nitrous oxide.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on xenon's anesthetic properties.
Analysis of xenon's mechanism of action, including N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor inhibition.
Examination of technological advancements in anesthetic delivery systems.

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Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

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Hyperpolarized Xenon for NMR and MRI Applications

Hyperpolarized Xenon for NMR and MRI Applications

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Main Results:

Xenon's anesthetic effects are partly mediated by noncompetitive inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.
High manufacturing and scavenging costs hinder widespread adoption.
Improving anesthetic technology may facilitate xenon's use.

Conclusions:

Xenon possesses significant anesthetic potential.
Further research and technological advancements are crucial for its broader clinical application.
Xenon is a promising candidate to replace nitrous oxide as an inhalational anesthetic.