Premedication Health Dictionary

An anticholinergic drug derived from belladonna. Atropine is used to dilate the pupil in eye conditions

such as iritis (inflammation of the iris) and corneal ulcer. It is also used in children before eye examination. Atropine may be included in a premedication before general anaesthesia to reduce respiratory secretions and is also used as an emergency treatment for bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat). It is sometimes combined with an antidiarrhoeal drug to relieve abdominal cramps accompanying diarrhoea.

Adverse effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, retention of urine, and, in the elderly, confusion.

Atropine eyedrops are rarely given to adults because they cause disturbance of vision lasting 2–3 weeks and may precipitate acute glaucoma in susceptible people.... atropine

An antihistamine drug used to relieve itching in a variety of skin conditions, such as eczema.

It is also used as an antiemetic drug, and sometimes as a premedication.

Possible adverse effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, and drowsiness.... promethazine

An intravenous agent for inducing general ANAESTHESIA prior to surgery or other procedures that require patients to be unconscious. When the drug is injected intravenously, pain sometimes occurs, but this can be minimised by premedication with an opioid analgesic (see ANALGESICS).... etomidate

A group of drugs that block the effects of acetylcholine, a chemical released from nerve endings in the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system. Acetylcholine stimulates muscle contraction, increases secretions in the mouth and lungs, and slows the heartbeat.

Anticholinergic drugs are used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, and bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat).

They are also used to dilate the pupil before eye examination or surgery.

Anticholinergic drugs are used as a premedication before general anaesthesia and to treat motion sickness.

They may cause dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and confusion.... anticholinergic drugs

An anticholinergic drug prescribed in 2 distinct forms.

Hyoscine butylbromide is used to relieve irritable bowel syndrome.

Hyoscine hydrobromide is used to control motion sickness and to reduce nausea in Ménière’s disease.

It is also used in eye-drops to dilate the pupil before an eye examination or surgery.

An injection of hyoscine hydrobromide is often given as part of a premedication because it dries secretions in the mouth and lungs.

Possible adverse effects of both forms include dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, and constipation.... hyoscine

An antiemetic drug. It is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, including that associated with migraine or caused by anticancer drugs, radiotherapy, or anaesthetic drugs. Metoclopramide may be given with a premedication to reduce the risk of inhaling vomit when under an anaesthetic. Adverse effects can include dry mouth, sedation, or diarrhoea. Large doses may cause uncontrollable movements of the face, mouth, and tongue.... metoclopramide

A benzodiazepine drug used as premedication.

Adverse effects include confusion, drowsiness, and dizziness.

If benzodiazepines are taken for a long period, dependence may result.... midazolam

Red or purple, flat, pinhead spots that occur in the skin or mucousmembranes. Petechiae are caused by a localized haemorrhage from small blood vessels. They occur in purpura and, sometimes, bacterial endocarditis. pethidine A synthetic opioid analgesic drug similar to, but less powerful than, morphine. Pethidine is used as a premedication and to relieve severe pain after operations, during childbirth, or in terminal illness. As it may cause nausea and vomiting, it is usually given with an antiemetic drug.... petechiae

The use of a drug to calm a person.

Sedation is used to reduce excessive anxiety and to control dangerously aggressive behaviour.

It may also be used as part of premedication.... sedation

A group of drugs used to produce sedation. Sedative drugs include sleeping drugs, antianxiety drugs, antipsychotic drugs, and some antidepressant drugs. A sedative drug is often included in a premedication.... sedative drugs

Also called alimemazine. An antihistamine drug used to relieve itching in allergic conditions, and as a premedication in children. Side effects are typical of antihistamines.... trimeprazine

n. an *antihistamine drug (a *phenothiazine derivative) that also possesses sedative properties. It is mainly used in the treatment of pruritus (itching) and urticaria (nettle rash), but also for premedication. Common side-effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dryness of mouth, muscular tremor and incoordination, and confusion.... alimemazine

n. a long-acting *benzodiazepine used for the short-term relief of acute anxiety and insomnia and in the treatment of delirium tremens, status epilepticus, and febrile convulsions; it is also used as a *premedication. Diazepam is administered by mouth, injection, or rectally and can cause dependence; side-effects include drowsiness and lethargy, confusion, and muscle weakness.... diazepam

n. the destruction of a fetus in the uterus by injection of potassium chloride into the fetal heart to stop any pulsation and other signs of life before induced abortion and following premedication to the mother. This is usually performed to achieve a late-stage termination of pregnancy (after 21 weeks), for example because of major abnormalities in the fetus.... feticide

n. a *benzodiazepine used to relieve moderate or severe anxiety and tension, including that associated with insomnia. It is also used for premedication and for treating status epilepticus. It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea.... lorazepam

n. 1. a substance administered by mouth, applied to the body, or introduced into the body for the purpose of treatment. See also premedication. 2. treatment of a patient using drugs.... medication

n. a *benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and in *premedication before minor surgery. Common side-effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of appetite.... temazepam