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standard general anesthesia
Standard general anesthesia depresses the central nervous system through multiple molecular pathways to induce unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is conducting multiple clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of standard general anesthesia in various surgical procedures. These include studies on hemodynamics, postoperative pain, and preoperative anxiety in children. The research spans from early phase 1 to not yet recruiting stages, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.
At a glance
| Generic name | standard general anesthesia |
|---|---|
| Also known as | morphine |
| Sponsor | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
| Drug class | General anesthetic (combination regimen) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesiology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
General anesthesia typically combines intravenous agents (e.g., propofol, thiopental) that enhance GABAergic inhibition and/or block NMDA receptors, with volatile anesthetics (e.g., sevoflurane, isoflurane) that modulate ion channels and synaptic transmission. Adjunctive agents such as opioids (fentanyl), benzodiazepines, and neuromuscular blockers are often added to achieve the desired depth of unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle paralysis for surgical procedures.
Approved indications
- Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for surgical procedures
- Sedation in intensive care settings
Common side effects
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Hypotension
- Respiratory depression
- Emergence delirium
- Postoperative cognitive dysfunction