Provides consensus advice for the correct and safe prescribing of essential drugs used in anaesthesia. The information has general applicability but is particularly relevant to developing countries, where limited availability of equipment, training, and skills must be considered when recommending safe practice. The book, which was prepared by WHO in collaboration with the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, is the first in a series of handbooks intended to provide up-to-date and objective information on the correct prescribing of essential drugs. The book opens with a concise introduction to the do's, don'ts, musts, and nevers of drug use in anaesthesia. Though reliance is placed firmly on WHOs Model List of Essential Drugs, other options are discussed where these have particular relevance. Procedures that are absolutely contraindicated when certain essential skills and equipment are not available are clearly indicated. The main part of the book consists of model information sheets for 31 drugs presented in the categories of premedication, general and local anaesthetics, non-opioid analgesics, opioid analgesics and antagonists, muscle relaxants and cholinesterase inhibitors, blood substitutes, and solutions for correcting water and electrolyte imbalance. For each drug, general information on properties and uses is followed by details of dosage and administration, contraindications, precautions, use in pregnancy, adverse effects, drug interactions, the signs and treatment of overdose, and storage requirements. Information on drugs used to induce general anaesthesia is especially detailed, including advice on each drug's advantages and disadvantages as well as details on its use according to different techniques. The book, which stands as an authoritative guide to the appropriate use of anaesthetic agents, should also prove valuable in the development of national drug formularies, data sheets, and teaching materials.

eng fre por.

ind.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

4