Beware -- the use of MAO inhibitors is increasing again

The use of monoamineoxidase inhibitors in the treatment of depression is increasing again in Australia. This paper outlines changes in prescribing, the problems associated with monoamineoxidase (MAO) inhibitors and how they relate to the practice of anaesthesia.

Drug overdosage in children

The epidemiology and prevention of drug overdosage in children is discussed. The emergency treatment of acute drug overdosage is outlined together with aspects of the intensive care management in relation to conscious state, convulsions, respiratory failure, circulatory failure and arrhythmias with some emphasis on tricyclic antidepressants.

The physiological basis of geriatric general anaesthesia

There is a decline in most physiological functions with age, independent of disease. The effect of geriatric physiology on anaesthetic drug administration is briefly reviewed.