Isoflurane
About Isoflurane
Isoflurane is an inhalation medicine used to induce and maintain general anaesthesia. It is used to keep patients in a deep, pain-free sleep during various types of surgical procedures. This medicine helps ensure that you do not feel pain or remember the surgery while it is being performed.
This medicine is not for regular daily use and is given only by a healthcare professional in a hospital or surgical setting when you undergo a procedure. Before receiving this medicine, patients are typically required to fast, meaning they must not eat or drink anything for a set period. Following preoperative fasting guidelines is crucial for your safety during the procedure.
Common side effects of this medicine include temporary shivering, nausea, and vomiting as you wake up. If you experience severe muscle stiffness, a very high fever, or breathing difficulties after the procedure, you must alert your medical team immediately.
Do not take this if you or your family members have a history of a rare, severe reaction to anaesthesia called malignant hyperthermia. It is also important to tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver damage, or neuromuscular disorders before undergoing anaesthesia.
This medicine can interact with other drugs like muscle relaxants and blood pressure medications, which may require your healthcare provider to adjust your doses. It is also vital to inform your medical team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if the patient is an elderly individual, as special precautions may be needed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss your specific medical history.
Uses of Isoflurane
Medicinal Benefits
Using Isoflurane as directed by your anaesthesiologist provides safe and effective anaesthesia during surgical procedures. Here are the key benefits you can expect:
- Enables pain-free surgery: Isoflurane produces a controlled state of unconsciousness, allowing surgical and medical procedures to be performed without pain or awareness.
- Provides controlled anaesthesia: The depth of anaesthesia can be adjusted throughout the procedure to meet the patient's needs and maintain comfort and safety.
- Supports a smooth recovery: Once the administration of Isoflurane is stopped, patients generally regain consciousness in a predictable manner under close medical supervision.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Isoflurane will be given by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility, and you will breathe it in through a mask over your mouth and nose.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Isoflurane
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Shivering or feeling unusually cold
- Nausea and vomiting upon waking
- Mild coughing or breath-holding when first breathing the medicine
- Temporary low blood pressure
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Severe muscle stiffness combined with a rapid rise in body temperature (signs of malignant hyperthermia)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or severe hives
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, which may indicate liver damage
- Extremely slow, shallow, or difficult breathing after waking up
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inform your anaesthesiologist about previous reactions: Tell your medical team if you or any close family member has ever experienced a serious reaction to general anaesthesia, including malignant hyperthermia or other anaesthetic complications.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery: Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or sign important legal documents for at least 24 hours after receiving Isoflurane, or until your doctor advises that it is safe.
- Provide a complete medication history: Inform your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking before your procedure.
- Avoid smoking before surgery: Stop smoking as early as possible before your operation, as smoking can affect lung function and increase the risk of breathing complications during and after anaesthesia.
Drug Interactions
- Muscle relaxants: Isoflurane may enhance the effects of muscle relaxants, so lower doses may be needed during surgery.
- Blood pressure medicines: Taking Isoflurane with antihypertensive medicines may increase the risk of a temporary drop in blood pressure during anaesthesia.
- Epinephrine and other sympathomimetic medicines: These medicines may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms when used with Isoflurane.
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
- Fast before surgery: Strictly follow instructions to not eat or drink (usually for at least 6 to 8 hours) before your scheduled procedure to prevent vomiting and lung complications.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives: Do not consume alcohol or take any calming medicines for at least 24 hours after your surgery, as they can dangerously increase drowsiness.
- Arrange for a ride home: You must have a responsible adult drive you home after your procedure, as your reaction times and judgment will be temporarily impaired.
- Rest and eat lightly: Keep your meals light and easy to digest (such as plain toast or broth) for the first 24 hours after waking up to minimize stomach upset.
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.
No, you must not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after receiving this medicine, as it temporarily affects your coordination and judgment. Talk to your doctor about planning a safe ride home.
Fasting helps prevent stomach contents from entering your lungs while you are asleep, which is a serious safety risk. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about fasting guidelines.
The most common side effects include shivering, nausea, vomiting, and a temporary drop in blood pressure as you wake up. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about side effects.
In very rare cases, inhaled anaesthetics can lead to liver damage. Let your doctor know if you have any pre-existing liver conditions before surgery. Talk to your doctor for more information.
It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and under strict medical supervision. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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