TABLE 4-1Analgesic Properties of Selected Anesthetic Drugs and Adjuncts

DrugClassAnalgesic Efficacy
α2-Adrenoreceptor agonistsAnalgesic/sedative-hypnoticYes
BarbituratesSedative-hypnoticNo
BenzodiazepinesAnxiolyticNo
ButyrophenonesNeuroleptic/anxiolyticNo
Chloralose, chloral hydrateSedative-hypnoticNo
Halogenated inhalant anestheticsGeneral anestheticNo
KetamineDissociative, NMDA antagonistYes
Nitrous oxideGeneral anesthetic (human); general anesthetic adjunct only in animalsYes
OpioidsAnalgesicYes
PhenothiazinesNeuroleptic/anxiolyticNo
PropofolSedative-hypnoticNo
Tiletamine-zolazepam (Telazol®)Combination of a dissociative/NMDA receptor antagonist and a benzodiazepine anxiolyticYes
TribromoethanolSedative-hypnoticNo
Urethane (e.g., ethyl carbamate)Not classifiedNo

NOTE: Drugs with inherent analgesic effects may contribute to postoperative pain control but are not sufficient to exert such control in and of themselves.

From: 4, Effective Pain Management

Cover of Recognition and Alleviation of Pain in Laboratory Animals
Recognition and Alleviation of Pain in Laboratory Animals.
National Research Council (US) Committee on Recognition and Alleviation of Pain in Laboratory Animals.
Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2009.
Copyright © 2009, National Academy of Sciences.

NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.