Abstract Total body water represents approximately 60% of body weight (45 litres in a 75 kg male). Sixty-six per cent is intracellular water (30 litres), 33% is extracellular (15 litres). The extracellular fluid volume…
Abstract Antacids neutralise gastric acidity. They are used to relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux. They promote ulcer healing but less effectively than other therapies. Chapter 20 Drugs…
Abstract Nausea and vomiting has many causes including drugs, motion sickness, fear, pregnancy, vestibular disease and migraine. In previous decades anaesthesia was almost synonymous with vomiting, but with the advent…
Abstract BDZs modulate the effects of GABA at GABAA receptors. The specific α-subunit type determines the BDZ pharmacology – anxiolytic or sedative. Two BDZ receptor subtypes have been identified: BZ1,…
Abstract The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) forms a chemical bridge between the motor neurone and skeletal muscle. The final short section of the motor nerve is unmyelinated and comes to lie…
Abstract Renin (half-life 80 minutes) splits the decapeptide angiotensin I from the circulating plasma protein angiotensinogen, which is synthesised in the liver and is present in the α2-globulin fraction of plasma…
Abstract The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a complex system of neurones that controls the body’s internal milieu. It is not under voluntary control and is anatomically distinct from the…
Abstract Sodium nitroprusside is usually administered as a 0.005–0.02% (50–200 μg/ml) intravenous infusion, the dose of 0.5–6 μg.kg−1.min−1 being titrated to effect. Chapter 16 Vasodilators Sodium Nitroprusside Sodium nitroprusside (SNP)…
Abstract The heart is composed of pacemaker, conducting and contractile tissue. Each has a different action potential morphology allowing the heart to function as a coordinated unit. The sino-atrial (SA)…
Abstract Our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the action of general anaesthetics has increased considerably in recent times and is discussed below. This is followed by sections discussing intravenous…
