Isoflurane as an inhalational anesthetic agent in clinical practice

Abstract

Isoflurane is the most recently available inhalational anesthetic agent on the market today. Although there have been few clinical trials comparing its use to halothane and methoxyflurane, the pharmacology of the agent suggests certain situations in which it may be the preferable agent. These include avian anesthesia, geriatric patients, patients with cardiovascular disease or hepatic disease, critically ill and unstable patients, cases such as brachiocephalics where upper airway obstruction is a concern during recovery, patients where increases in intracranial pressure should be avoided, and cesarean section. In addition, the rapid recoveries seen with isoflurane may be an advantage for outpatient surgeries.