User:Mr. Ibrahem/Isoflurane

Isoflurane, sold under the trade name Forane among others, is a general anesthetic. It can be used to start or maintain anesthesia, however other medications are often used to start anesthesia rather than isoflurane, due to airway irritation with isoflurane. Isoflurane is given via inhalation.

Side effects of isoflurane include a decreased ability to breathe (respiratory depression), low blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat. Serious side effects can include malignant hyperthermia or high blood potassium. It should not be used in people with a history of malignant hyperthermia in either themselves or their family members. It is unknown if its use during pregnancy is safe for the fetus, but use during a cesarean section appears to be safe. Isoflurane is a halogenated ether.

Isoflurane was approved for medical use in the United States in 1979. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. The wholesale cost of isoflurane in the developing world is about US$17.24–170.40 per 250 ml bottle.