In medicine, a lot of obscure terms are used. Sometimes these names sound daunting. That is why the patient before treatment should get acquainted with some terminology for his own development and understanding of everything that happens to him. This article will focus on the concept of “premedication”. It is a term used by surgeons, anesthetists, and operating sisters. You will also learn about how this manipulation is performed.
What is premedication?
To begin with, it is worth saying that this term means preparing for the prescribed treatment. Depending on what kind of manipulation will be carried out, a method of sedation is chosen.
This procedure helps the patient to calm down, relax and tune in for a positive outcome. Also, in some cases, premedication is a salvation from the often manifested allergic reaction to various drugs.
Where is premedication used?
Most often, this preparation is carried out before various surgical interventions. In some cases, premedication is used before surgery under local anesthesia or without any pain relief.
Also, similar preparation is carried out before dental treatment. In some cases, premedication in dentistry helps the doctor to do his job as correctly as possible. So, preparation is always carried out in the treatment of teeth in young children, the elderly or in complex operations.
The effectiveness of premedication in medicine
Currently, many doctors refuse some points of this manipulation. They explain this by the fact that the administered drug is not always effective, and the reaction to the drug occurs very often. Sometimes there are situations that the administered agent simply does not have time to act on the human body.
Patient consent must always be obtained for premedication. Also, before the procedure, it is necessary to clarify whether a person has a tendency to any allergies.
What drugs are used for sedation?
It is worth noting that there are a large number of tools used. If you have intolerance to one of them, then you should definitely warn a doctor. In this case, an alternative drug is selected.
It includes premedication drugs of the following groups: sedatives, antihistamines, as well as solutions that reduce the contractile function of muscles and various glands.
So, sedatives include:
- "Phenobarbital";
- "Sedonal";
- Luminal and other drugs.
The following antihistamines may be used:
- "Tavegil";
- "Suprastin";
- Diphenhydramine and others.
Contractile function blockers are most often used such:
- "Metacin";
- "Atropine";
- "Glycopyrrolate" and so on.
In some cases, premedication before surgery may require the introduction of drugs, which can reduce the dose of anesthetic.
Premedication
Manipulation consists of several main points. There is so-called early sedation. This is a procedure that is performed the night before (before surgery). Also, preparation is necessarily carried out on the day for which surgical treatment is prescribed. So, we will consider in detail the method of sedation.
First step: early patient preparation
In the evening on the eve of the established day of surgery, bowel cleansing is performed. This is done with an enema or by taking laxatives. Such preparation is necessary when surgery will be performed in the abdominal cavity. If the operation requires affecting other parts of the body, then this stage can be avoided.
Also in the evening, the patient is offered a long-acting sleeping pill. Everyone experiences excitement and fear of surgery. That is why this stage is so necessary for the patient.
Second step: premedication on the day of surgery
A few hours before the start of surgical treatment, you will receive additional premedication. Atropine and other blockers are used precisely at this stage. They are necessary if an apparatus for artificial ventilation of the lungs is used, or when treatment is carried out on a muscular organ. So, often before examining the reproductive organ in women, large doses of this substance are used.
You will also be given an antihistamine. It will help to avoid an allergic reaction to anesthetic and various medicinal substances in the blood. In addition, it is proposed to take a sedative. Thanks to his action, the patient will be able to relax and cope with mental stress. The main condition for preparing for the operation is the rejection of food and water.
Third step: premedication on the operating table
There is also the so-called sedation anesthesia. At this stage, the patient is injected with drugs that help to fall into euphoria and enhance the effect of the anesthetic. If you are allergic to painkillers, this item is taken into account necessarily.
This manipulation is carried out at a time when a person is already on the operating table. The most harmless anesthesia assistant is oxygen. It helps a person quickly disconnect and not hear everything that is happening around. Also, at this stage, the following drugs can be used: Droperidol, Valium, Morphine Sulfate and other drugs.
The fourth step: anesthesia
After the sedation is completed, the anesthetist can begin his work. The doctor prescribes an individual dose of a substance to each patient. This takes into account height, weight, age, area of work and the availability of sedation.
In the future, the doctor conducting the operation may begin surgical treatment.
Features of premedication to consider
Most drugs that are used during preparation for surgery are administered orally or rectally. This method is explained by the fact that the medicine lasts longer and does not enter into a direct reaction with anesthetics. Also, some agents can be used by intramuscular injection.
With direct contact with the blood, drugs quickly lose their effectiveness and are eliminated from the body. It is worth noting that, depending on gender, age and weight, an individual dosage of funds for sedation should be selected. Otherwise, the substance may simply not work, or an overdose will occur.
Summary and short conclusion
If you are prescribed surgical treatment, then you should know what premedication is, what drugs are used to carry it out and why this manipulation is needed at all. Do not arbitrarily refuse this procedure. If you are confused by any item, consult your doctor. If necessary, the doctor can replace some medications as you wish.
Premedication will help you tune in to the operation and deal with psychological stress. Be treated correctly and be always healthy!