An anesthetic is a medicine that helps block pain. It may help a person relax, become sleepy or forgetful, and/or become unconscious for surgery.
Anesthesia specialists use these medicines and close monitoring to help keep people safe and comfortable during surgery and other medical procedures.
There are three main types:
- Local anesthetics numb a small part of the body, such as the nose or mouth. They are given as a shot. Or they are applied topically.
- Regional anesthetics numb a larger part of the body. They are given as a shot around major nerves or the spinal cord.
- General anesthetics make a person unconscious. They are given as a gas or as a shot directly into the bloodstream (IV, through a vein).
Some topical anesthetics are over-the-counter medicines. These medicines can be used as home treatment for minor injuries.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | John M. Freedman, MD - Anesthesiology |
| Last Revised | June 4, 2010 |
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