Isoflurane
Also known as: Isoflo, Iso-Thesia, Forane, Isosol, Terrell, Isoba, Isocare, Isofane, IsoFlo, Isoflurane Vet, Vetflurane
Isoflurane is an anesthetic gas administered by veterinary professionals in a clinical setting. - **Post-Anesthesia Care**: Your pet may be groggy, uncoordinated, or have a mild cough (from the breathing tube) for 12-24 hours after the procedure. - **Feeding**: Offer small amounts of water and food initially to prevent nausea, unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian. - **Monitoring**: Keep your pet in a quiet, safe, and warm environment while they fully recover.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Anesthesia
- Anesthesia
- Maintenance of surgical anaesthesia
- Anesthesia
- Anesthesia
- Anesthesia
- Anesthesia (Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Hamsters, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas)
- Anesthesia
- Anesthesia
- Anesthesia
- Anesthesia
- Induction of anaesthesia (unpremedicated)
- Maintenance of surgical anaesthesia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Dose-related hypotension
- Respiratory depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ileus
- Minimal cardiodepression
- Rare arrhythmias
- Dose-dependent hypotension (due to vasodilation, particularly in skeletal muscle)
- Dose-dependent respiratory depression
- Arrhythmias (less arrhythmogenic than halothane, but possible under certain conditions)
- Hypothermia
Cautions & contraindications
- History or predilection towards malignant hyperthermia
- Known susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia
- Use with caution in patients with increased CSF pressure, head injury, or myasthenia gravis. Because of respiratory depressant effects, intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) may be required, particularly in horses, which increases overdose risks. Isoflurane is irritating to the respiratory system and is not recommended for mask induction. May be fetotoxic; use cautiously during pregnancy.
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides: Additive neuromuscular blockade may occur
- ACE Inhibitors or Hypotensive Agents: Concomitant use may increase risks for profound hypotension
- Lincosamides: Additive neuromuscular blockade may occur
- Non-depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agents: Additive neuromuscular blockade may occur
- Succinylcholine: May induce increased incidences of cardiac effects (bradycardia, arrhythmias) and malignant hyperthermia in susceptible patients
- Sympathomimetics (dopamine, epinephrine, etc.): May result in arrhythmias, though isoflurane sensitizes the myocardium less than halothane. Use with caution and intensive monitoring.
- Sedatives (e.g., alpha-2 agonists, phenothiazines): Reduces the concentration of isoflurane required to achieve surgical anaesthesia (MAC reduction).
- Opioid agonists: Reduces the concentration of isoflurane required to achieve surgical anaesthesia (MAC reduction).
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Reduces the concentration of isoflurane required to achieve surgical anaesthesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Isoflurane used for in pets?
Isoflurane is an anesthetic gas administered by veterinary professionals in a clinical setting. - **Post-Anesthesia Care**: Your pet may be groggy, uncoordinated, or have a mild cough (from the breathing tube) for 12-24 hours after the procedure. - **Feeding**: Offer small amounts of water and food initially to prevent nausea, unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian. - **Monitoring**: Keep your pet in a quiet, safe, and warm environment while they fully recover.
Is Isoflurane safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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