NARCOTICS. - Unlike hypnotics (v.), these are substances that induce a much deeper sleep (Gr. ναρκισμός = inducing torpor), with a state of absolute dulling of consciousness, muscular relaxation, abolition of reflexes, and often notable modifications of cerebral circulation. In medical practice, narcosis—also called general anesthesia—employs medications administrable by inhalation (chloroform, ethyl ether, ethyl chloride, nitrous oxide, ethylene), rectally (avertin), or intravenously (sodium evipan, eunarcon, pentothal, narcovene, and other derivatives of malonylurea).
The necessity of narcosis is evident from the practical impossibility of enduring the often excruciating pains associated with the investigations and lengthy manipulations characteristic of modern surgery, and from the need to avoid the uncontrollable instinctive defensive movements that could jeopardize the precision and safety of the procedure and prevent the complete relaxation of the muscular walls necessary to properly control the surgical field. Such a practical necessity morally justifies the use of narcotics to achieve general anesthesia (v.).