Which agents are specifically used to induce general anesthesia?

Induction agents are specifically designed to initiate general anesthesia. These agents facilitate a rapid transition from consciousness to a state of unconsciousness, allowing for a smooth and controlled onset of anesthesia. Examples of common induction agents include propofol, etomidate, and thiopental. These substances act quickly to provide the necessary sedation and analgesia while minimizing the time the patient spends in an awake state, which is essential in clinical practice to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient.

Maintenance agents, on the other hand, are used to sustain the anesthetic state once it has been achieved, but they do not initiate it. Reversal agents are utilized to counteract the effects of certain anesthetic protocols, allowing for the recovery of the patient. Neuromuscular blockers are typically used to induce paralysis rather than to induce general anesthesia directly. Therefore, induction agents are unique in their primary role in beginning the anesthesia process, making them the correct choice for this question.