Isoflurane
Isoflurane Information

About Isoflurane

Isoflurane is inhalation anesthetic. Isoflurane is most recent halogenated anesthetic to be introduced into clinical practice. It was introduced into widespread clinical use in 1983. Chemically Isoflurane is 2-chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1-trifluoroethane. Isoflurane is isomer of enflurane. Isoflurane is non flammable and non explosive. Isoflurane is a racemic mixture and prepared by chemical synthesis. 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 respiratory depression.

Indications

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

Contraindication

Isoflurane is contraindicated in conditions like Coronary artery disease,Suceptibility to malignant hyperthermia,Neurological procedures.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Isoflurane, which give rise to further complications include Hepatitis, Cardiovascular collapse.Isoflurane produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Respiratory depression, Myocardial infarction, Ischemic heart disease, Malignant hyperthermia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Isoflurane therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Isoflurane include Depression of vital functions.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Isoflurane are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Shivering.

Warnings

Avoid isoflurane 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 of their therapy before anaesthesia. Anesthetics should be given with caution in patients with cardiac, respiratory, renal or hepatic impairment. Avoid use during pregnancy. Isoflurane should be used with caution in patients with phaeochromocytoma or with raised intracranial pressure. Use of the isoflurane in the patient with myasthenia gravis can cause an increase in the muscular weakness due to the neuromuscular blocking effect of anesthetics.The drug should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, Geriatrics, and Neonates.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.