Halothane
Halothane Information

About Halothane

Halothane is a potent inhalation anesthetic widely used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Halothane is non-flammable, induction and recovery are smooth and rapid and the depth of anesthsia is rapidly altered. Inhaled gases are the mainstay of anesthesia and are primarily used for the maintenance of anesthesia after administration of an intravenous agent. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly altered by changing the concentration of inhaled anesthetic. Most of the agents are rapidly eliminated from the body and donot cause post-operative respirtory depression.

Indications

Halothane is primarily indicated in conditions like Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, Induction of anaesthesia.

Contraindication

Halothane is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac insufficiency,Malignant hyperthermia.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Halothane, which give rise to further complications include Myocardial depression, Cardiovascular collapse.Halothane produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Malignant hyperpyrexia, Liver damage. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Halothane therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Halothane include Death, Cardiac arrhythmias, Pulmonary edema.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Halothane are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Shivering, Cardiovascular complications.

Warnings

Avoid halothane in patients having susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia. Patients should observed caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, because may cause drowsiness. Patients with chronic disease such as diabetes or hypertension may require adjustment to their therapy before anesthesia. Anesthetics should be given with caution in patients with cardiac, respiratory, renal or hepatic impairment. Avoid use during pregnancy. Halothane should be used with caution in patients with phaeochromocytoma.Malothane should be used for dental proceduces outside hospital.

High Risk Groups

If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.