Abstract This chapter reviews the basic and clinical pharmacology of intravenous opioids in the context of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine. Unique features of commonly used opioids are discussed and the…
Abstract Dysfunction of the complex physiologic processes of the endocrine systems can lead to significant and potentially life-threatening problems. Administration of exogenous hormones or drugs that mimic or antagonize hormonal…
Abstract One of the main functions of the liver is to protect the organism against intoxication. The endoplasmic reticulum of liver cells contains enzymes that protect the organism against an…
Abstract This chapter reviews the normal physiology of the five major endocrine organs relevant to anesthesiology: the pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Disturbances in endocrine…
Abstract Local anesthetics are a group of structurally related compounds which share as principal mechanism of action the blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in reversible interruption of nerve signal…
Abstract This chapter describes the control systems and mechanisms of air movement into and out of the lungs to allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to exchange with blood. Emphasis is…
Abstract The role of nonopioid analgesics have become increasingly important given mounting evidence against the use of opioids in chronic, non-malignant pain. Furthermore, recent Centers for Disease Control guidelines for…
Abstract Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents were introduced into clinical practice more than 60 years ago. Throughout the world, millions of patients receive neuromuscular blocking agents as part of their general…
Abstract In a normal human life span, the heart beats billions of times. Each beat represents a remarkable combination of events working in harmony over milliseconds to propel blood into…
Abstract Disturbances in cardiac rhythm, also termed cardiac arrhythmias, can arise from structural heart disease, adverse drug interactions, or inherited gene variants in ion channels or the proteins that regulate…
