What type of agents can be used in a continuous infusion for maintaining anesthesia?

Continuous infusion agents for maintaining anesthesia are typically those that offer rapid titratability and a consistent effect throughout a procedure. Agents like propofol are commonly used for this purpose because they provide a smooth and controllable depth of anesthesia with quick recovery times. Propofol is known for its antiemetic properties, cardiovascular stability, and responsiveness to changes in infusion rates, making it an excellent choice for maintaining anesthesia during longer procedures.

While opioids can be used in anesthesia, their infusion primarily serves to manage pain rather than maintain a specific level of anesthesia. Although inhalational agents are effective for inducing and maintaining anesthesia, they are typically administered via a vaporizer and are not utilized in continuous infusion in the same manner as intravenous agents like propofol. Lidocaine is often used for its analgesic properties and may have some role in reducing anesthesia requirements, but it is not a primary agent for maintaining anesthesia in the same way that propofol is.