Halothane

Halothane

Halothane

Introduction

Halothane is a potent volatile halogenated anesthetic gas. It has historically been used for its anesthetic properties but has been linked to cases of idiosyncratic acute liver injury, which are often severe. Due to the risks associated with its use, particularly hepatotoxicity, and the development of newer anesthetics, the use of Halothane has significantly decreased in modern medical practice.

Chemical Properties and Mechanism of Action

Halothane is a halogenated hydrocarbon compound. It works by depressing the central nervous system, leading to a loss of consciousness, making it effective for use as a general anesthetic.

Clinical Use

Historically, Halothane was widely used for its rapid onset and potency. It has been primarily used in pediatric anesthesia due to its lesser irritation to the airways compared to other agents. However, its use has declined in favor of newer anesthetics that offer a better safety profile.

Mechanism of action of Halothane

in 1956 and falling out of favor in the mid 1990s. It is nonflammable, potent and well tolerated. Halothane is administered to produce end tidal concentrations of 0.7% to 1%. It has a somewhat slow onset of action and, therefore, like other halogenated inhalational anesthetics, it is used to maintain anesthesia after induction with other agents. Halothane is no longer available in the United States, but is still used in developing countries, particularly in pediatric patients. Halothane must be administered in a controlled situation by a properly trained and credentialed anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist and is typically given in concentrations up to 1% with oxygen.

Risks and Side Effects

Hepatotoxicity

A major concern with Halothane use is its potential to cause severe liver injury. The hepatotoxic effects can range from mild and reversible liver impairment to fatal fulminant hepatitis.

Other Side Effects

Other potential side effects include cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, and malignant hyperthermia, a rare but life-threatening condition.

Current Usage

While the use of Halothane has decreased in developed countries due to safety concerns, it remains in use in certain special situations and in developing countries where its low cost is a significant factor.

Alternatives

There are several newer inhalation anesthetics, such as sevoflurane and desflurane, which are preferred due to their better safety profiles and minimal effect on the liver.

See Also

• Anesthesia
• Liver Injury
• Pediatric Anesthesia

References

1. [Link to a scholarly article on Halothane and its effects] 2. [Link to a study comparing Halothane with newer anesthetics]

External Links

• WHO Report on Halothane
• National Center for Biotechnology Information - Halothane

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