noun
Refers to a substance that induces anesthesia or numbing, used in medical contexts. The term is neutral and technical.
手術の前に麻酔剤を投与します。
An anesthetic is administered before surgery.
この麻酔剤は局所麻酔に使われます。
This anesthetic is used for local anesthesia.
麻薬 refers to narcotics or illegal drugs, whereas 麻酔剤 is a medical term for anesthetics used in clinical settings.
Compound of 麻酔 (masui, 'anesthesia') and 剤 (zai, 'agent, drug'). The term is a straightforward medical compound.