Medicinal Chemistry of General Anesthetics-Notes-1

Medicinal Chemistry of General Anesthetics Notes-1 Definition: General anaesthetics are a group of drugs that produce loss of consciousnes...

Medicinal Chemistry of General Anesthetics Notes-1

Definition:

General anaesthetics are a group of drugs that produce loss of consciousness ; and, therefore, loss of all sensation. The absolute loss of sensation is termed as anaesthesia (derived from the Greek word meaning insensitivity or lack of feeling). General anaesthetics bring about descending depression of the central nervous system ; starting with the cerebral cortex, the basal ganglia, the cerebellum and finally the spinal cord.

These drugs are used in surgical operations to induce unconsciousness ; and, therefore, abolish the sensation of pain.