Drug delivery systems (DDS) are technologies that comprehensively regulate the distribution of drugs within the body in terms of space, time, and dosage. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the fields of biodegradable polymers, nano drug delivery systems, micro drug delivery systems, and stimulus-responsive drug delivery systems. This review summarizes the latest advancements in DDS and their applications in the fields of anesthesia and analgesia, explores the associated challenges and future prospects.