The drugs to draw up before anaesthesia vary depending on what anaesthetic is planned and on the patient. Typically this would include:
Standard drugs
Standard drugs typically consist of:
- IV induction agent, e.g. propofol
- IV opioid, eg fentanyl. Note: these are in the controlled drug cupboard
- Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA), e.g. atracurium and vecuromium
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids
Inhalation agents and local anaesthetic agents should also be prepared.
It is good practice not to draw up local anaesthetic agents until required, to avoid accidental IV injection.
Emergency drugs
Emergency drugs are:
- Suxamethonium:
- Draw up in a syringe with blue needle on it, in case it is necessary to give it IM in an emergency
- For paediatrics, it is especially important to have suxamethonium available
- Note: many hospitals have a pre-prepared syringe with suxamethonium in it in the fridge: check it is there and still in date
- Atropine or glycopyrrolate
- Ephedrine and/or metaraminol
It may be worth drawing up adrenaline in 10 μg/ml concentration (place 1 ml of 1 in 1000 in a 100 ml bag of NaCl 0.9 %) for unstable patients.