Analgesic anaesthesia

Analgesic anaesthetics (or anaesthetising agents) are a family of medicines used in anaesthesia and intensive care. They are also described as morphine derivatives and are used forgeneral anaesthesiaprocedures. In other words, they put the patient to sleep during surgery.

How do analgesic anaesthetics work?

The analgesic anaesthetics act on central nervous system receptors. They block transmission of the pain signals. They are administered intravenously by an anaesthetist - intensive care physician.

Do they have any contraindications or precautions?

The side effects of these analgesic anaesthetics include nausea, vomiting, and altered consciousness. However, their main risk is that of respiratory depression.

Source: Interview with Dr Véronique Bazin, anaesthetist at the Nantes University Hospital, 16 June 2011