Advantages over injection narcotics
The advantages of inhalation anaesthetics are, for example, that they can be used to induce anaesthesia very quickly and easily. By simply changing the concentration of the substances in the gas mixture, the anaesthesia can be deepened or flattened. In addition, the degradation in the organism is largely independent of liver and kidney function, which makes them more easily tolerated. A reduction in respiratory activity after surgery occurs less frequently with inhalation anaesthetics.
Injection Narcotics
The injection narcotics are administered to the patient through a vein. Barbiturates, etomidate, ketamine and propofol, for example, can be used, although nowadays propofol is used almost without exception, as it offers several advantages over the other substances. Patients wake up faster under Propofol and recover better than under the influence of barbiturates.
The depth of anaesthesia can also be better controlled with Propofol. Nausea and vomiting also occur less frequently under Propofol. The most common side effect of this narcotic is a possible drop in blood pressure.
In the case of injection narcotics, please note that they must be injected slowly into the vein. This is important because injection anaesthetics bind to proteins in the blood (plasma protein binding).However, the part of the narcotic that is not bound to proteins is particularly effective. The faster the injection is administered, the less narcotic can bind to proteins.
This can quickly lead to an overdose, which can be very dangerous for the patient. In addition, too fast an injection can lead to vein irritation, which can also cause the affected vein to become inflamed (phlebitis). This is very unpleasant for the patient.
The injection narcotics are mainly broken down by the liver and excreted via the liver or kidney. They can also cause liver and kidney damage. In contrast to inhalation anaesthetics, the duration and strength of the injection anaesthetics cannot be influenced well once they have been administered to the patient. However, they are well suited for the induction of anaesthesia, as they usually lead to a fast and calm fall asleep. For example, the time required for Propofol to take effect is only about 30 seconds.
