Propofol, etomidate, ketamine, remimazolam, ciprofol
Alkylphenol IV induction agent / sedative-hypnotic
Potentiates GABA-A chloride conductance. Direct CNS depression with no analgesia.
Imidazole IV induction agent
GABA-A potentiation. Highly hemodynamically stable due to minimal SVR/contractility effects.
Phencyclidine derivative / NMDA antagonist
Non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist. Also effects on opioid, monoaminergic, muscarinic receptors. Produces dissociative anesthesia with analgesia.
Thiobarbiturate IV induction agent
Enhances GABA-A chloride currents (↑ channel-open duration) → rapid loss of consciousness. Classic barbiturate induction agent.
Oxybarbiturate IV induction agent (short-acting)
GABA-A potentiation. Shorter-acting than thiopental; lowers seizure threshold (useful for ECT).
Ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine (procedural sedation)
GABA-A benzodiazepine agonist with an ester linkage → rapid hydrolysis by tissue esterases (like remifentanil among opioids) → fast recovery, organ-independent.