Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Introduction
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition
Please click on the link below to access the most up-to-date version of this guideline. The content on this page is currently being updated to align with the latest publication. Always check the version number at the bottom of the screen to confirm which version you are using.
Anaesthetic and sedative medication may only be administered by medical practitioners trained and experienced in their use.
Sound theoretical and practical training followed by several years of supervised experience in the administration of anaesthetics is essential to develop the skills of the anaesthetist. Even with the recommended dosage range, anaesthetic agents can cause death when inappropriately used and only as a last resort should the be administered by non-specialised personnel.
Medicines and equipment for resuscitation should be functional and immediately available whenever general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia or sedation is administered.
The following is a list of medicines required for anaesthesia that should be available at district and regional hospitals.
The doses of the medicines given are those recommended for healthy adults. Patients who are acutely or chronically sick, and or elderly, may require substantial reductions in the doses given otherwise life-threatening adverse effects may ensue.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2024 Edition