Sevoflurane contains the active component Sevoflurane. It is used to produce a complete loss of sensation in the body, including unconsciousness, so that surgical operations or other procedures can be performed. This allows surgery to be carried out without pain or distress.  This medication is used in the hospital environment only and has a quick induction and emergence time. Sevoflurane received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in anesthesia on December 15, 1995. It has been available in the United States since then and has been widely used as an inhalation anesthetic for adults and pediatric patients.

Sevoflurane is used to produce unconsciousness during surgical procedures.

Sevoflurane is administered by inhalation during general anesthesia using a vaporizer. The patient breathes in through a mask or tube, and the anesthesiologist adjusts the concentration for the desired level of anesthesia. After surgery, administration is stopped, and the patient gradually wakes up from anesthesia.

Sevoflurane, like any medication, can cause side effects. Common side effects of sevoflurane include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and shivering. These effects are usually mild and temporary. However, there are potentially serious side effects associated with sevoflurane, such as allergic reactions, malignant hyperthermia (in susceptible individuals), respiratory depression, and cardiovascular effects.

Sevoflurane carries important warnings, including the risk of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in susceptible individuals, hepatotoxicity, potential renal injury, neurotoxicity in young children, respiratory depression, cardiac effects, and inhalational injury. It can interact with various medications.

For patients, it is important to be aware of a few precautions regarding sevoflurane anesthesia. Firstly, inform your healthcare provider about any allergies, medications, or medical conditions you have. Your vital signs will be monitored during the procedure to ensure your safety. It's crucial to follow the medical team's instructions regarding breathing and airway management. Discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth and safe anesthesia experience.

Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications you take, sevoflurane. It is important to fully understand the potential risks and benefits associated with this anesthesia and to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have. Before using it, talk to your physician if you have liver disorders, seizures, heart problems, or allergies. Trust and communicate openly with your healthcare team to ensure safe and effective anesthesia administration.

1. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, General anesthetics, 7th edition, 2013, 381.
2. AbbVie Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on 2 July 2021] [Accessed on 9th June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/833/pil#gref
3. Abbott Laboratories, US Food, and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2003] [Accessed on 9th June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/020478s016lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is different from 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.