Isoflurane (Inhalation)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 11, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Forane
- Terrell
In Canada
- Isoflurane
- Isoflurane Usp
Available Dosage Forms:
- Liquid
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Volatile Liquid
Chemical Class: Haloalkane
Uses for isoflurane
Inhaled isoflurane is used to cause general anesthesia (loss of consciousness) before and during surgery. It belongs to the group of medicines known as general anesthetics.
Isoflurane is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Before using isoflurane
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For isoflurane, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to isoflurane or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of inhaled isoflurane in children. However, children are more likely to have unwanted side effects, including brain or nerve problems, which may require caution in patients receiving isoflurane.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of inhaled isoflurane in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving isoflurane, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using isoflurane with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acecainide
- Ajmaline
- Alfentanil
- Alprazolam
- Amiodarone
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Aprindine
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Astemizole
- Atracurium
- Azimilide
- Benzhydrocodone
- Bretylium
- Bromazepam
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Butorphanol
- Calcium Oxybate
- Cannabidiol
- Cetirizine
- Chloral Hydrate
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpromazine
- Cisatracurium
- Clarithromycin
- Clobazam
- Clonazepam
- Codeine
- Daridorexant
- Desipramine
- Dexmedetomidine
- ...
