premedication /-med′ikā″shən/ [L, prae + medicare, to heal] , 1. any sedative, tranquilizer, hypnotic, antinausea, or anticholinergic medication administered before anesthesia to relieve anxiety, prevent nausea, reduce oral secretions, and decrease pain. The choice of drug depends on such variables as the patient’s age and physical condition and the specific operative procedure. 2. the administration of such medications. −premedicate, v.
