This article compares the efficacy and cost of the oral, rectal and intravenous formulations of paracetamol.Paracetamol – A Review of Three Routes of Administration - December 1, 2008

Pentazocine, an opioid agonist-antagonist, is widely used around the world despite its considerable side-effects and tendency to cause dependency. It still has a useful function to play in the management of moderate to severe pain when used intravenously or intramuscularly, but should not replace morphine or pethidine if available.Pentazocine - June 1, 2008

Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, are widely used in primary and secondary care and are very commonly encountered in the perioperative setting. In this article we explore the specific uses of antiplatelet drugs, their mechanisms of action and possible consequences of their discontinuation. Perioperative Management of Antiplatelet Drugs - December 1, 2010

Pharmacodynamics illustrates what a drug does to the body, with drugs acting on ‘targets’ by binding. Receptors are a special type of target, involved in the body’s normal signalling processes and the different aspects of the interaction between drugs and receptors are described.Pharmacodynamics and Receptor Physiology - December 1, 2008

Pharmacokinetics is the study of the way the body deals with any drugs that are given to it. Simply put “what the body does to a drug”. In pharmacokinetics we study the processes of absorption, distribution, and elimination, either by metabolism or excretion, of drugs.Pharmacokinetics (Update 15) - December 1, 2002

This article explains the internationally recognised formats for describing drugs, their dosage and dilutions, with commonly-used examples. Pharmacology and Drug Doses – An Introduction - December 1, 2008

A ‘vasopressor’ causes vasoconstriction and an ‘inotrope’ increases the force of cardiac contraction. Vasopressors and inotropes work via the Autonomic Nervous System.Pharmacology of Vasopressors and Inotropes - June 1, 1999

This clear article by Fred Roberts explains the essentials of pharmacokinetics in anaesthesia.Pharmokinetics and Anaesthesia - December 1, 2008

Download – Pregnancy – Physiological Changes Physiological and anatomical alterations develop in many organ systems during the course of pregnancy and delivery. Early changes are due, in part, to the metabolic demands brought on by the fetus, placenta and uterus and to the increasing levels of pregnancy hormones. Later changes, starting in mid-pregnancy, are anatomical [...]Pregnancy – Physiological Changes - December 1, 2008

This article describes the basic science of pressure, its relevance to anaesthesia and critical care, and its measurement. Adequate blood pressure is essential to maintain the blood supply and function of vital organs. Measurement of blood pressure is therefore a key part of the monitoring of patients during anaesthesia and critical care.Pressure and Blood Pressure Measurement - December 1, 2008

Pulse oximetry is a simple non-invasive method of monitoring patients which can be used in a wide variety of circumstances, and in the face of limited resources. The pulse oximeter represents a wise choice of monitor since, with appropriate training, it allows assessment of several different patient parameters. The basic science principles, pitfalls and clinical use of pulse oximeters are discussed.Pulse Oximetry – Practical Applications - December 1, 2008

The kidney has important roles in salt and water, acid-base, electrolyte and calcium homeostasis. These functions are described, including the role of the countercurrent multiplier and exchange systems of the loop of Henle. Where relevant, clinical examples are used to demonstrate the multiple roles of the kidney.Renal Physiology - December 1, 2008

This article described the techniques available for monitoring gas and vapour levels in anaesthetic gas mixtures. The clinical implications of this are discussed.Respiratory Gas Analysis - December 1, 2008

This article covers the main areas of respiratory physiology that are important to anaesthetists. Examples relevant to anaesthesia and pathological states of the respiratory system are used when possible. Respiratory Physiology - December 1, 2008

This article deals with the problem of accumulation of materials inside the Oxford Miniature Vaporiser, which make it increasingly difficult to move the control pointer.Servicing a Seized Oxford Miniature Vaporiser - June 1, 2005

The Oxford Miniature Vaporiser is designed for drawover anaesthesia and rarely give problems. Occasionally the pointer becomes stiff to rotate due to deposits of thymol left behind by halothane.Sticking Oxford Miniature Vaporiser – Practical Tips - June 1, 1996

This article summarises the pahrmacological properties and clinical uses of suxamethonium. Suxamethonium - June 1, 1992

The pharmacological properties and clinical uses of thiopenmtone are discussed.Thiopentone - June 1, 1993

Using an endotracheal tube to secure a patient’s airway is still the gold standard. Most routine orotracheal or nasotracheal intubations are performed with the help of a laryngoscope that has a curved or straight blade. Other adjuncts such as external laryngeal pressure, a bougie, a stylet or a pair of Magill’s forceps may also be used.Tracheal Intubation Aids - December 1, 2003

This article should be read in conjunction with ‘Gases and vapours’. Several areas and concepts are duplicated but are retained for the benefit of an alternative explanation. Full coverage of the features of all vaporisers is clearly not possible, however the common underlying principles of their function are demonstrated using examples of widelyused devices. A clear understanding of the uses and pitfalls of vaporisers is essential for their safe clinical use.Vaporisers - December 1, 2008

There are a variety of anaesthetic techniques available and various clinical situations demand different techniques of anaesthesia. A trained anaesthetist should be able to decide the most appropriate method for each case as an anaesthetic decision (not a surgical decision) and have the necessary skills to use the technique of choice.Volatile Anaesthetic Agents - June 1, 1995

One of the prominent features of anaesthetic practice in developing countries is the widespread use of volatile anaesthetic agents. This is surprising, as they are relatively expensive. Even modest supplies of halothane, for example, can cost several times more than the salary of the person using it but despite this burden on limited budgets, in most government hospitals cases are done using general anaesthesia with halothane and no other drug. Volatile Anaesthetic Agents (Update 11) - June 1, 2000

This article is based on WHO information regarding the Haemoglobin Colour Scale which is a simple, reliable and inexpensive tool developed by the WHO to screen for anaemia in the absence of laboratory-based haemoglobin measurement.WHO Haemoglobin Colour Scale - December 1, 2002