ISOFLURANE, inhalation vapour, liquid, 250ml, bot.

• In the WHO list of Essential Medicines 2023

General inhalation anaesthetic

Halogenated methyl isopropyl ether inhalational anaesthetic which produces a rapid induction and recovery phase from anaesthesia.

Maintenance of general anaesthesia by inhalation

Isoflurane is the first-choice inhalation anaesthetic but is not suitable for anaesthesia induction due to its airway-irritant properties.

Sevoflurane is the second-choice inhalation anaesthetic as it is more expensive than Isoflurane. It is less soluble than isoflurane, making it more suitable for the induction of anaesthesia in children.

Both Isoflurane and Sevoflurane are suitable for day-care anaesthesia. Sevoflurane offers advantages such as reduced airway hyper reactivity and faster emergence, which allows for quicker discharge from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).

The choice between inhalation agents should consider the characteristics of the project: patients, procedures types, available medical equipment, staff training, and other factors. Contact your anaesthesia advisor for more information.

Isoflurane must only be administered by persons trained in the
administration of general anaesthesia.

Ensure that facilities for maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, oxygen enrichment, and circulatory resuscitation are immediately available.

To be used with the appropriate vaporiser and anaesthetic circuit/machine.

Portable anaesthesia system Diamedica: DPA-2 & Glostavent Helix

• The Diamedica vaporiser can be used with both isoflurane and sevoflurane.
• The vaporiser scale must be calibrated correctly from the start, based on the inhalation agent being used (Sevoflurane or Isoflurane).
• Isoflurane and sevoflurane should never be mixed. Ensure that the vessels (DPA) are clearly identified, indicating the gas in use.
• Contact your biomedical or anaesthesia advisor when switching agents for manufacturer specific instructions.
• Follow all procedures carefully.