Final answer:
The ultra-short-acting barbiturate used in IV anesthesia is methohexital. Methohexital is a fast-acting barbiturate that is commonly used for the induction of anesthesia and sedation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ultra-short-acting barbiturate used in IV anesthesia is methohexital. Methohexital is a barbiturate that is commonly used for the induction of anesthesia and sedation. It is fast-acting and has a short duration of action, making it suitable for intravenous use in surgical procedures.
Barbiturates are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. They have sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant properties. Methohexital, specifically, is known for its rapid onset of action and brief effects, which makes it an ideal choice for inducing anesthesia quickly and efficiently.
During IV anesthesia, methohexital is administered intravenously to induce unconsciousness and create a state of general anesthesia. It works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and enhancing the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This leads to sedation, relaxation, and a loss of consciousness.