What are adjunct medications in anesthesia primarily used for?

Adjunct medications in anesthesia are primarily used to enhance the effects of the primary anesthetic agents or to manage specific side effects associated with anesthesia. These medications work in conjunction with the main anesthesia drugs to provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care during procedures.

For instance, adjunct medications can be used to provide sedation, analgesia, or to mitigate nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of general anesthesia. By optimizing analgesia or minimizing undesirable effects, these adjuncts help to improve patient comfort and outcomes during and after surgical procedures. Thus, their role is crucial in achieving a balanced and effective anesthesia regimen rather than serving as primary anesthetics or replacements for the main anesthetic agents.