Isoflurane
About Isoflurane
Isoflurane belongs to the class of medicines called inhalation anaesthetics. It is used to induce general anaesthesia during surgical procedures. General anaesthetics are used to induce unconsciousness, helping to not feel the pain caused due to surgical procedures.
Isoflurane contains isoflurane, which causes a complete loss of sensation in the body, including loss of consciousness. Thereby, it helps prevent pain perception, allowing surgery to be carried out without pain or distress.
In some cases, Isoflurane may cause side effects such as chills/shivering, cough, laryngospasm (difficulty breathing or speaking), dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. If these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in Isoflurane. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep your doctor informed about all your health conditions and medications to prevent interactions or side effects.
Uses of Isoflurane
Medicinal Benefits
Isoflurane belongs to the class of inhalation anaesthetics used to induce general anaesthesia during surgical procedures. It contains isoflurane, which affects various receptors and ion channels in the central nervous system to produce anaesthesia. Thus, it helps induce unconsciousness, which is suitable for surgical procedures. It also prevents the patient from experiencing pain and discomfort during the medical procedure.
Directions for Use
Isoflurane will be administered by a healthcare professional through inhalation using a vaporiser.
Storage
Side Effects of Isoflurane
- Chills/shivering
- Cough
- Laryngospasm (difficulty in breathing or speaking)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Drug Warnings
Isoflurane is not recommended for people who are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have been given an inhaled anaesthetic in the last 3 months, if you have liver/kidney/heart problems, raised intracranial pressure, low blood pressure, neuromuscular disease, or bronchoconstriction (tightening of the airways). Let the doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving Isoflurane. Isoflurane may trigger malignant hyperthermia (a disorder that causes a severe reaction to certain anaesthetic drugs) in susceptible individuals, and in patients with neuromuscular disorders, isoflurane use may lead to perioperative hyperkalemia. Therefore, inform the doctor if you have a family history of malignant hyperthermia or neuromuscular disorders.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines like adrenaline (epinephrine), beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, MAO inhibitors, muscle relaxants (succinylcholine, atracurium, pancuronium, rocuronium, vecuronium), opioids (fentanyl), or inhalational anaesthetic (sevoflurane).
Drug-Food Interactions: No drug-food interactions were found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have malignant hyperthermia, hepatic impairment, hypersensitivity reactions, neuromuscular diseases, or hyperkalemia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid/limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the metabolism of isoflurane and plasma levels.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Isoflurane. It should only be used in pregnant women if the benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Isoflurane. Caution should be exercised when Isoflurane is administered to the nursing women.
Driving
unsafeIsoflurane may affect mental alertness. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after administering a general anaesthetic.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Isoflurane. Your doctor will examine your liver condition and determine if it's safe for you to receive this medication.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving Isoflurane if you have any kidney diseases. The doctor will administer the medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
consult your doctorIsoflurane should be used cautiously in children and only if advised by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Let your body rest after surgery. Avoid strenuous work or exercise.
- Follow a proper diet suitable for quick wound recovery after surgery.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
General anaesthesia: It is a medication given before surgery to induce unconsciousness so that you may not feel the pain perception. It stimulates the brain to not respond to the pain signals, allowing surgery to be done without pain. Generally, an anesthesiologist will administer the anaesthesia to the patient.
FAQs
Isoflurane is used for general anaesthesia induction and maintenance during surgical procedures.
Isoflurane contains isoflurane, which works by affecting various receptors and ion channels in the central nervous system to produce anaesthesia. Thereby, it helps to induce unconsciousness suitable for surgical procedures without causing any pain for the patient.
Isoflurane is administered by inhalation and delivered from a vaporizer designed explicitly for Isoflurane.
The side effects of Isoflurane are chills/shivering, cough, laryngospasm (difficulty breathing or speaking), nausea, and vomiting. Consult your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
No, Isoflurane is not recommended for self-administration. It should be administered in a hospital setting only by persons trained in the administration of general anaesthesia.
