Interested in learning more about the different types of anesthesia? Download and print these resources from our experts in anesthesia care. The Full Anesthesia Comparison Chart provides a detailed summary of the different types of anesthesia, while the Quick Anesthesia Comparison Chart briefly reviews the similarities and differences of each anesthesia type.
Anesthesia Medications
A review of the different types of medications that are used during anesthesia.
Reviewed on April 24, 2026 by Suzanne M. Wright, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, CPPS
Article Summary
Anesthesia medications are carefully selected to help keep you comfortable, pain-free, and safe during surgery and medical procedures. This article explains the different types of medications used before, during, and after anesthesia, including medicines for pain control, relaxation, unconsciousness, and recovery. It also describes how anesthesia professionals choose and monitor these medications based on each patient’s health needs to provide safe, personalized care.
What medications are used during anesthesia?
Anesthesia The use of medications to temporarily block pain, sensations, and awareness during procedures and surgery. There are many different types of anesthesia that a CRNA can provide. medications are drugs used to reduce pain, anxiety, awareness, and sensation during surgeries and medical procedures.
Anesthesia professionals, such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA),Sometimes called a CRNA, nurse anesthesiologist, or nurse anesthetist, these are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who specialize in administering anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. use different anesthesia medications to keep you comfortable and safe during surgery. Common types of anesthesia medications include:
- Pain relievers
- Anti-anxiety medications or sedatives
- General anesthesiaA state of unconsciousness that is caused by medications administered by an anesthesia professional. This form of anesthesia is often used for procedures that would be too painful or uncomfortable to perform while the patient is only sedated or awake. medications
- LocalA type of anesthesia that numbs a smaller area of the body with numbing medication. and regional anesthesiaA type of anesthesia that blocks pain in a larger area of the body by numbing a group of nerves and involves techniques such as nerve blocks, epidurals, and spinals.
- ParalyticsThe inability to move your body. or muscle relaxants
Pain relievers
Pain relievers (analgesics) are medications used to reduce or block pain during and after surgery. Preventing and controlling your pain during medical procedures is very important to your anesthesia professional. There are three main types of pain relievers that may be used to keep you comfortable.
- OpioidsDrugs that are typically used to control and manage pain. Examples include codeine, morphine, and fentanyl. : These are strong prescription pain relievers. They work by attaching to pain receptors in your brain and body. When they attach to these receptors, they reduce pain signals.
- Serious side effects include a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and slower breathing. More common side effects include constipationNot being able to have a bowel movement. This can happen for many reasons including surgery, medicine, or eating too much fat and not enough fiber., drowsiness, and nausea.
- These medications can be habit-forming. This means there is a risk of addictionAlso known as addiction, this disorder is a brain disease that results in harmful substance (drug) use. This disorder can harm someone's health, behavior, and quality of life. . When used correctly for a short time with a healthcare provider’s help, the risk of addiction is low. Learn more about Addiction and Anesthesia.
- Examples include codeine, morphine, and fentanyl.
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatoryThe body’s immune response to infections, toxins, and injury. Inflammation may cause pain, redness, swelling, and heat in the affected area. drugs): These medications reduce pain, swelling, and fever. You can buy some NSAIDs without a prescription, and others require a prescription.
- Most healthcare professionals recommend not taking these medications before surgery because of the risk of bleeding. These medications may be used to manage pain after surgery.
- Examples include ketorolac (Toradol®, requires a prescription), ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), and aspirin.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®): This medication helps manage mild to moderate pain. You may be directed to take this medication before or after surgery, and, if so, you do not need a prescription.
- Acetaminophen can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. If someone takes too much, it can damage the liver. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
When taking any pain medication, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Learn more about Pain Management and Pain Medications.
Anti-anxiety medications (sedatives)
Anti-anxiety medications (sedatives) help you relax and reduce anxiety before and during a procedure. In larger doses, these medications may cause memory loss and may make some people fall asleep. Anti-anxiety medications are often used with general anesthesia, but they can also be used alone to cause a sedative effect.
The most common anti-anxiety medications are benzodiazepinesA class of medications that work by slowing the central nervous system to help manage conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. These medications can be given orally, or through an intravenous line (IV). . These medications require a prescription. They are often used to help manage anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax®), midazolam (Versed®), and lorazepam (Ativan®). Like opioids, these medications can be habit-forming if used improperly, recreationally, and without a healthcare provider’s guidance.
Learn more about different types of Sedation.
General anesthesia medications
The medications used during general anesthesia are designed to keep you completely unconscious or asleep during surgery. General anesthesia is often used for complex procedures that would be too painful or uncomfortable to do while you are awake. You won’t feel pain or remember the procedure afterward.
The medications used during general anesthesia include both inhaled gasesMedications that you breathe in during anesthesia. These gases make you unconscious (asleep) and unaware. They also make you forget what happens during surgery and can prevent you from moving while you are asleep. (sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane) and IVA small tube that is inserted into a vein to deliver liquid medication and fluids directly into the bloodstream. anesthetics (propofol, etomidate, and ketamine). If you are having a procedure under general anesthesia, you may receive a combination of inhaled and IV anesthetics.
Learn more about General Anesthesia.
Local/regional anesthesia medications
Local and regional anesthesia medications numb a specific area of the body to prevent pain during a procedure. Local anesthesia is usually used on a smaller area of the body, such as during dental procedures or on the skin. Regional anesthesia is used to block pain in a larger area of the body, such as an arm, a leg, or through an epiduralAn injection of numbing medication into the epidural space that blocks pian signals from specific nerves. Epidurals can be given as a single injection, or with a catheter (tubing) that stays in place to continuously give medication. or spinalSometimes called a “spinal block,” this is an injection of numbing medication into the spinal fluid that numbs the body from the waist down. during labor. Local and regional anesthesia use many of the same medications.
Examples of medications used during local and regional anesthesia include bupivacaine (Marcaine), lidocaine, liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel®), and ropivacaine (Naropin®). Potential side effects of these medications include soreness and bruising at the injection site, dizziness, fast heart rate, weakness, numbness, shivering, and blurred vision.
Learn more about Local and Regional Anesthesia and Nerve Blocks.
Paralytics (muscle relaxants)
Paralytics (muscle relaxants) are medications that relax your muscles and prevent movement during surgery. They are given during general anesthesia to block nerve signals to the muscles causing them to relax and make surgery easier. These medications are also given when a breathing tubeA flexible, plastic tube that is placed into the windpipe (trachea) to help keep the airway open and to support breathing. Breathing tubes are inserted during a process called intubation. is placed (intubationA process where a breathing tube is placed through your mouth or nose and into your airway. A breathing tube may be placed during general anesthesia to help support breathing.) to help relax the neck and throat muscles. Examples of these medications include succinylcholine, vecuronium, and cisatracurium.
Since these medications cause paralysisThe inability to move your body. and affect your ability to breathe, they are only given during general anesthesia when an anesthesia professional is safely monitoring you. Reversal medications can be given after surgery is complete, if needed, to undo the paralytic effect.
Learn more about intubation and what to expect on Your Surgery Day.
Additional medications
Additional medications are used during anesthesia to prevent and treat issues like nausea, allergic reactions, and other complications. If you have any questions about the medications used during anesthesia, ask your anesthesia professional before your surgery or medical procedure.
Learn more about Anesthesia Medication Safety.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation for any specific anesthesia technique, drug, or treatment. Users should consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding anesthesia care. For complete terms, see our Terms of Use.
Was this helpful?