Update on pharmacology of hypnotic drugs.
OBJECTIVE
This review is intended to provide an update on pharmacology of hypnotic drugs and current state of published research for new or improved agents.


RESULTS
Albeit no completely new drugs have been launched in the last few years, research on pharmacology of existing drugs is still ongoing, and new formulations of existing drugs are proposed (propofol, isoflurane). Xenon, an old but so far unavailable drug, has elicited new interests and this review will examine the recent publications on this fascinating agent.


CONCLUSIONS
These results will improve our handling of existing drugs and open new perspectives on drug monitoring through measurement of propofol concentrations in expired air.
Servin
Frederique S
FS
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Hospital Bichat, Paris, France. frederique.servin@bch.aphp.fr
D000777:Anesthetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000777:Anesthetics; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives