Isoflurane
Description
Isoflurane is an inhalation anesthetic used for inducing and maintaining unconsciousness or sleep during surgical procedures. It should only be administered by a trained healthcare professional.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Isoflurane
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Low blood pressure
- Skin rash
- Confusion
- High potassium levels in the blood
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest tightness
- Headache
- Cough
- Shivering
- Muscle stiffness
Uses of Isoflurane
What is it prescribed for?
- Anesthesia
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 7 to 10 minutes of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains effective may vary depending on the dose.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to isoflurane or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Use in children
Prolonged or repeated use of this medicine may affect brain development in children. Use this medicine with extreme caution in children under 2 years of age and all the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before administering this medicine to children.
Coronary heart disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with coronary heart diseases due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Malignant hyperthermia
This medicine may cause malignant hyperthermia (immediate rise in body temperature) in some patients. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Perioperative hyperkalemia
This medicine may increase the potassium levels in the blood which may result in cardiac arrhythmia and even death, especially in children postoperatively. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Hypotension
Patients undergoing anesthesia with Isoflurane should be monitored closely for early signs of severe hypotension (low blood pressure) and/or cardiac depression. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is administered before and during a surgical procedure by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Selegiline
Epinephrine
Hydrocodone
Phenelzine
Amlodipine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines including herbs and supplements as well as all your medical conditions before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Isoflurane works by altering the action of certain natural substances, which in turn induces unconsciousness and sedation.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
General anesthetics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 18 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 18 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 18 December 2018]. Available from:
Isoflurane 100% Inhalation Vapour, Liquid - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2019 [cited 10 April 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 10 Apr 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.