GasGasGas - Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthesia!
Dr Gas - Anaesthesia Education
An Anaesthesia Podcast focusing on the science knowledge anaesthetists should know. We track the UK Primary FRCA Curriculum.> GasGasGas will fit into a corner of your day, delivering a treatise on a drug, concept or practice critical to the knowledge required to pass the FRCA Primary Exam!
> There are naturally tangents, as hearing a word vomit of data with no joy is not the aim of Dr gas!
> This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts,
> Notes on https:/gasgasgas.uk
> Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics SBA Resource
All content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
© GasGasGas – The FRCA Primary Anaesthetic Sciences Podcast 2025
> There are naturally tangents, as hearing a word vomit of data with no joy is not the aim of Dr gas!
> This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts,
> Notes on https:/gasgasgas.uk
> Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics SBA Resource
All content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
© GasGasGas – The FRCA Primary Anaesthetic Sciences Podcast 2025
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 24, 2025 • 24min
Prilocaine: Amide Local Anaesthetic - Day Case Champ
This episode dives into the benefits of prilocaine, a local anaesthetic that's often overlooked in favor of bupivacaine. Discover why it's preferred for spinals due to lower risks associated with lidocaine. Learn about prilocaine's chemistry, its unique mechanisms for nerve blocks, and dosing limits. The discussion also covers the potential risks of methemoglobinemia and management strategies. Dr Gas highlights faster recovery times and practical advice for using prilocaine effectively in day-case procedures.
Jul 17, 2025 • 26min
Cocaine: Local Anaesthetic Properties & Pharmacology + Hx Spinal Anaesthesia!
Dive into the wild world of cocaine in medicine! Discover its rich history in spinal anesthesia and its chemistry as a local anesthetic. Learn about the various clinical uses and limitations, as well as the alarming side effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Delve into the fascinating topic of cocaethylene and how it intensifies toxicity when mixed with alcohol. Plus, get expert guidance on managing cocaine toxicity in the clinical setting. It's a rollercoaster of medical insight and caution!
Jul 8, 2025 • 27min
GasGasGas - Bupivacaine and Friends
Explore the fascinating world of bupivacaine, an essential local anesthetic, and learn about its formulations and clinical uses. Delve into the science behind sodium channel blockade and the differences between neuronal and cardiac action potentials. Discover the implications of combining additives with bupivacaine and the potential toxicity involved. Uncover the advantages of levobupivacaine, including its reduced cardiotoxicity and sensory-sparing effects. Tune in for crucial insights into dosing, mechanisms, and practical applications in anesthesia!
6 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 37min
GasGasGas - Introduction to Local Anaesthetics
Dive into the fundamentals of local anaesthetics and discover how they work! Explore nerve anatomy and the intriguing process of sodium channel blockade. Learn about factors affecting drug onset, such as pKa and myelination, and why sensory blocks occur before motor ones. Unpack the differences between amide and ester anesthetics, along with their metabolic profiles. Plus, get informed about potential toxicities and emergency management techniques. It's an essential guide for anyone delving into anaesthesia!
14 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 27min
GasGasGas - Comparing Opioids - Viva Style!
Dive into the world of opioids and their essential role in anaesthesia! Explore comparisons between morphine, fentanyl, alfentanil, and remifentanil, uncovering their unique properties for various clinical scenarios. Learn about dosing strategies for intubation, the significance of context-sensitive half-times, and optimal choices for ICU sedation. Plus, a deep dive into intrathecal morphine and the caution necessary for its use. Get practical tips for exam preparation while staying informed about opioid risks and benefits!
4 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 30min
GasGasGas - RemiFentanil and the Minto TCI Model
Dive into the world of remifentanil, a potent synthetic opioid that every anaesthetist dreams of for its rapid effects and easy dosing. Discover how it works on opioid receptors and the crucial sites in the CNS that influence its efficacy. Learn about the advantages of the Minto TCI model for tailoring anesthesia in various surgical procedures. From its quick onset and offset times to the potential adverse effects, this discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in modern anaesthesia techniques!
16 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 24min
Neuraxial Opioid Kinetics: Spinal & Epidural Analgesia for Regional Anaesthesia
Dive into the world of neuraxial opiate pharmacology as James unpacks the fascinating journey of opioid molecules in the epidural space. Discover why these opioids are administered, how they differ from systemic options, and the anatomical nuances that affect their behavior. Learn about the comparison between morphine, fentanyl, and diamorphine regarding onset and side effects. Gain insights into managing common issues like nausea and pruritus, and see why understanding their kinetics is vital for optimal clinical decision-making.
10 snips
May 30, 2025 • 12min
Diamorphine (Golden Brown): Opioid Pharmacology for Anaesthetic Practice
Explore the fascinating world of diamorphine, including its chemical relationship to morphine and various formulations. Delve into how it interacts with opioid receptors and its clinical applications in pain management and palliative care. Learn the typical dosing and hear about its potential side effects across different organ systems. Discover the pharmacokinetics behind its absorption and metabolism, plus crucial information on reversal with naloxone. This episode wraps up with a sneak peek into neuraxial opioid pharmacology.
10 snips
May 23, 2025 • 15min
Oxycodone: Synthetic Opioid Analgesic for Perioperative Pain
Dive into the world of oxycodone, exploring its pharmacology and clinical relevance. Discover its origins, from wartime use to modern regulations. Learn how oxycodone compares to morphine in potency and administration routes. Unpack its side effects, including the risks of respiratory depression and sedation. Delve into its metabolism and implications in patients with organ failure. Finally, confront the public health impact of opioid use and lessons learned from past pharmaceutical practices.
8 snips
May 15, 2025 • 13min
Methadone: Long-Acting Opioid for Chronic Pain in Anaesthesia
Dive into the multifaceted world of methadone in this session! Discover its unique pharmacodynamics and receptor activities beyond opioid dependency. Learn about its clinical applications in pain management, including cancer care. The podcast covers practical dosing strategies, potential side effects like QT prolongation, and alternatives for weaning off methadone. Unravel the complexity of its pharmacokinetics, with insights into metabolism and clearance, all while gaining valuable knowledge for the medical field.
