Sevoflurane

Sevoflurane is a sweet-smelling, nonflammable, highly fluorinated methyl isopropyl ether used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Together with desflurane, it is replacing isoflurane and halothane in modern anesthesiology. It is often used in surgeries of short duration because of its rapid onset of action and low risk of side effects.

History[edit | edit source]

Sevoflurane was discovered by Ross Terrell and introduced in 1971 by Abbott Laboratories.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Sevoflurane is a volatile anesthetic that is inhaled. It is a methyl isopropyl ether and is one of the most commonly used volatile anesthetic agents, particularly for outpatient anesthesia, due to its quick onset of action and low risk of side effects.

Metabolism[edit | edit source]

Sevoflurane undergoes hepatic metabolism. Unlike halothane, one of the older volatile anesthetics, it does not induce liver damage, and it does not cause kidney damage in the way that methoxyflurane does.

Clinical use[edit | edit source]

Sevoflurane is used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, and for sedation for mechanically ventilated adults, and for procedural sedation. It's also used for induction of anesthesia in high-risk patients.

Side effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of sevoflurane include respiratory depression, coughing, dizziness, and agitation. Rare side effects may include malignant hyperthermia and kidney damage.