Isoflurane was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 23, 1971 to be used as an general anesthesia in the surgical procedures,  emergency surgery, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, pediatric surgery and veterinary medicine.

Isoflurane is primarily used as a potent inhalation anesthetic in medical and surgical settings. Its primary use is to induce and maintain general anesthesia during various surgical and medical procedures. By rendering patients unconscious and providing pain relief, it enables safe and effective surgeries across various specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, and neurosurgery.

Isoflurane is typically administered through inhalation, specifically by using a specialized anesthesia delivery system. It is inhaled as a vapor to induce and maintain general anesthesia during medical and surgical procedures.

Common side effects encompass nausea, vomiting, headaches, sore throat, shivering, and temporary confusion, typically resolving shortly after anesthesia. In contrast, serious side effects can include respiratory depression, cardiovascular effects such as hypotension and arrhythmias, malignant hyperthermia (a rare but severe condition), allergic reactions, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (a less common temporary cognitive impairment).

Isoflurane can trigger malignant hyperthermia, a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by rapid body temperature, muscle rigidity, and other severe symptoms. It may cause respiratory depression, leading to slow or shallow breathing. It can affect heart rate and blood pressure. It may cause hypotension (low blood pressure) or arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms). While rare, allergic reactions to it or its components can occur.

Continuously monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate throughout administering Isoflurane. Promptly detect and address any changes in the patient's condition. Proper ventilation and monitoring are crucial to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation during anesthesia. Maintain appropriate ventilation to ensure the patient receives an adequate supply of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide.

Before taking Isoflurane, a thorough patient assessment is conducted, including medical history, allergies, and preexisting conditions. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, ventilation, and anesthetic depth is maintained throughout the procedure to promptly detect and address any changes in the patient's condition. Attention is given to proper patient positioning to prevent pressure ulcers and nerve damage. Infection control measures are rigorously observed to minimize the risk of surgical site infections. Adequate fluid management and intravenous support are administered to maintain hydration and circulation.

1. Piramal Critical Care Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on 29th Oct 2019] [Accessed on 5th September 2023],https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1792/smpc#gref 
2. Baxter Healthcare Corporation, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Nov 2022 ] [Accessed on 5th September 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/017624s042lbl.pdf 
3. Christina L. Torturo et al., Isoflurane  Inhibits Dopaminergic Synaptic Vesicle Exocytosis Coupled to CaV2.1 and CaV2.2 in Rat Midbrain Neurons, eNeuro, 2019, 6 (1), https://www.eneuro.org/content/eneuro/6/1/ENEURO.0278-18.2018.full.pdf.
4. KD Tripathi, General anesthetics, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 399-414.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.