The most commonly used intravenous (IV) general anesthetic is Propofol.
Propofol: A Key Anesthetic Agent
Based on the provided information, Propofol (Diprivan®) stands out as the most frequently used intravenous agent for general anesthesia. Its widespread adoption is due to its rapid onset and short duration of action, which allows for faster recovery times compared to some other anesthetic drugs.
Key Characteristics of Propofol (from Reference):
- It is categorized as an IV general anesthetic.
- It holds the distinction of being the most commonly used IV general anesthetic.
- When administered at lower doses, Propofol can induce sleep while allowing the patient to continue breathing independently.
Common Uses in Anesthesia
Propofol is versatile and used in various stages of anesthesia and sedation:
- Induction of General Anesthesia: It's often the primary drug used to quickly put a patient to sleep at the beginning of a procedure.
- Maintenance of General Anesthesia: It can be used as a continuous infusion to keep a patient asleep during surgery.
- Sedation: Used in lower doses for procedures like endoscopy or colonoscopy, or for sedating patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Quick Overview
Here's a simple breakdown of the key information:
| Drug Name | Type of Anesthetic | Primary Use in Anesthesia | Notable Feature (from Ref) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propofol | IV General | Induction, Maintenance, Sedation | Most commonly used IV general anesthetic |
Its efficacy, speed of action, and relatively quick recovery profile make Propofol a cornerstone of modern anesthetic practice, particularly for intravenous administration.
