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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...

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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.

Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 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

Nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation: an update.

Ann Brunick¹, Morris S Clark

¹Department of Dental Hygien, University of South Dakota, USA.

Dental Assistant (Chicago, Ill. : 1994)

|September 6, 2013

Summary

Learn about nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen (O2) use, including its benefits, risks of chronic exposure, and biological effects. Discover methods to minimize trace gas contamination in outpatient settings.

Area of Science:

Anesthesiology
Occupational Health

Background:

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is widely used in outpatient settings.
Understanding its characteristics and effects is crucial for patient and provider safety.

Purpose of the Study:

To educate on the desirable characteristics of N2O/O2.
To outline indications and contraindications for its use.
To address facts and myths regarding chronic N2O exposure and its biologic effects.
To provide strategies for assessing and minimizing trace gas contamination.

Main Methods:

Didactic presentation of information on N2O/O2.
Review of scientific literature on N2O toxicity and exposure.
Discussion of best practices for trace gas management.

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A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects

A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects

Published on: May 4, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 8, 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

A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects

A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects

Published on: May 4, 2021

Main Results:

N2O/O2 has specific desirable characteristics for clinical use.
Chronic exposure to N2O can lead to adverse biologic effects.
Trace gas contamination can be assessed and minimized in outpatient environments.

Conclusions:

Safe and effective use of N2O/O2 requires knowledge of its properties and potential risks.
Minimizing exposure to N2O is essential for preventing adverse health outcomes.