anaesthetic

a substance that, when administered, produces a loss of sensation in the whole body (general anaesthetic) or part of it (local anaesthetic). A general anaesthetic results in a loss of consciousness, and usually a combination of drugs in used to achieve an optimum effect. These drugs act to depress the activity of the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM , have an ANALGESIC effect and relax MUSCLES , enabling surgical procedures to be carried out with no awareness on the part of the patient. A local anaesthetic blocks the transmission of nerve impulses in the area where it is applied so that no pain is felt. Commonly used local anaesthetics are COCAINE and LIGNOCAINE , and they are also used for minor surgical procedures and in dentistry.