Vasopressors and Inotropes
Abstract This chapter reviews the pharmacology of vasopressors and inotropes used commonly in acute care settings. It focuses on the pharmacodynamic properties of the drugs to a greater degree than…
ANESTHESIA
Nonintravenous Opioids
Abstract Oral opioids have been used for centuries for treating pain, with the modern era beginning in the 19th century with the discovery of morphine. Nonintravenous opioids can be categorized…
Drugs for Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Chapter Outline Historical Perspective Antidepressant Drugs Tricyclic Antidepressants History Basic Pharmacology Clinical Pharmacology Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors History Basic Pharmacology Clinical Pharmacology Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Basic Pharmacology Clinical Pharmacology Atypical…
Nociceptive Physiology
Chapter Outline Systems Physiology Management of Perioperative Pain Overview of the Nociceptive System Peripheral Nociception Nociceptor Classification Nociceptor Activation Signal Processing in the Dorsal Horn Structural Components Neurochemistry Spinal Mechanisms…
Central Nervous System Physiology: Cerebrovascular
Abstract The metabolic demands of the brain are substantial and must be met with a continuous supply of glucose and oxygen. The cerebrovascular anatomy and physiology is designed to distribute…
Central Nervous System Physiology: Neurophysiology
Abstract Novel tools in neuroscience (genetic, optical, pharmacological) are being used to advance our understanding of the complexity and functioning of the brain, the primary target of general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists…
Autonomic Nervous System Pharmacology
Chapter Outline Historical Perspective Structure and Mechanism of Adrenergic Receptors Endogenous Catecholamines Epinephrine Norepinephrine Dopamine Metabolism of Catecholamines Synthetic Catecholamine-Like Drugs D1-Receptor Agonists α 1 -Receptor Agonists Phenylephrine Methoxamine Midodrine…
Pharmacokinetics of Inhaled Anesthetics
Abstract Inhaled anesthetics, beginning with diethyl ether, were first introduced into clinical practice in the 1840s. Since then a wide variety of inhaled agents, including ethers, alkanes, nitrous oxide, cyclopropane,…
Thermoregulation: Normal Physiology, Anesthetic Effects, and Perioperative Considerations
Abstract Core body temperature is highly regulated in humans by the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamus. General anesthesia, neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia, and drugs such as opioids all reduce…
Pharmacology of Inhaled Anesthetics
Abstract Inhaled anesthetics as single agents provide all of the essential features of general anesthesia, including amnesia, unconsciousness, and immobility. Each of these components results from agent-specific actions on distinct…
