Halothane

Halothane is a potent inhalation anesthetic widely used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Halothane is non-flammable, induction and recovery are smooth and rapid and the depth of anesthsia is rapidly altered. Inhaled gases are the mainstay of anesthesia and are primarily used for the maintenance of anesthesia after administration of an intravenous agent. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly altered by changing the concentration of inhaled anesthetic. Most of the agents are rapidly eliminated from the body and donot cause post-operative respirtory depression.

Brands
HALOTHANE
Adult Dose
Dose: 1 to 5 %
Single Dose: 3 (3)
Frequency: As recommended.
Route: Inhalation
Instructions: As Required
Neonatal
Dose: 0.5 to 2 %
Single Dose: 1.2 (1.25)
Frequency: As recommended.
Route: Inhalation
Instructions: For Maintenance of anaesthesia, As Required
Paedriatic
Dose: 0.5 to 2 %
Single Dose: 1.2 (1.25)
Frequency: As recommended.
Route: Inhalation
Instructions: For Maintenance of anaesthesia, As Required
Characteristics
. It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Alkane. It belongs to Adenosine uptake inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action. The Molecular Weight of Halothane is 197.40.
Contraindications
Halothane is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac insufficiency,Malignant hyperthermia.
Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Halothane, which give rise to further complications include Myocardial depression, Cardiovascular collapse.Halothane produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Malignant hyperpyrexia, Liver damage. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Halothane therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Halothane include Death, Cardiac arrhythmias, Pulmonary edema.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Halothane are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Shivering, Cardiovascular complications.
Indications
Halothane is primarily indicated in conditions like Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, Induction of anaesthesia.
Interactions
Halothane is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAdrenalineCoadministration result in ventricular arrhythmias and acute pulmonary edema or death.MajorThis combination should be avoided or used cautiously.If used together than dose adjustment of adrenaline is necessary.AlcoholAlcuronium (Cl)AlfuzosinEnhanced hypotensive effects when alpha-blockers (e.g Alfuzosin) given with general anesthetics (e.g Halothane)MajorAminophyllineAminophyllineAtracurium (Besylate)Halothane may increases the effect of atracurium.ModerateAtracurium dosage must be reduced.Chlorpromazine (HCl)Clonidine (HCl)CocaineCyclophosphamideDexfenfluramine (HCl)DiazepamDiazoxideEnhanced hypotensive effect when Diazoxide given with general anesthetics (Halothane).Dobutamine (HCl)Dopamine (HCl)DoxacuriumHalothane may initiate non depolarizing muscle relaxant effect.ModerateHalothane dosage must be adjusted and administered by specially trained anesthologist.DoxapramEphedrineconcomitant administration should be avoided with anesthetic such as halothane , cyclopropaneErgometrine (Maleate)Halothane decreases the oxytcic effects of ergonovine.MinorClosely monitor for change in efficacy during coadministration.EtomidateFenfluramine (HCl)Indacaterolmay potentiate the effect of adrenergic agonist on the cardiovascular system.monitor closelyIsoproterenolKetamine (HCl)Ketamine (HCl)LabetalolLevodopaLevodopaLignocaineMethoxamineMethylergometrine (Maleate)MorphineNefopam (HCl)Nitric OxideNitrous OxideNitrous OxideNoradrenaline (Acid Tartrate)Oxtriphylline (Choline Theophyllinate)OxytocinPancuronium (Br)Halothane potentiate the effect of pancuronium.ModerateDose of pancuronium should be reduced if necessary. Inhalational anesthetics should be administered only by specially trained personnels.PentazocinePhendimetrazinephendimetrazine tartarate use with Halothane increases risk of cardiac arrythmia.Phenytoin (Na)PractololPropofolHalothane can be expected to increase the anesthetic or sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of Propofol Injectable Emulsion.Quinagolide (HCl)Rauwolfia ReserpineRauwolfia ReserpineReserpineSufentanil (Citrate)TheophyllineTubocurarine (Cl) Halothane potentiate the effect of tubocurarine.ModerateDose of tubocurarine should be reduced. Halothane should be administer only by specially trained health care providers.Vecuronium (Br)Halothane potentiate the effect of vecuronium.ModerateDose of vecuronium should be reduced. Halothane should be administer only by specially trained health care providers.Verapamil (HCl)Verapamil (HCl) These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
Measurement of Nitrogen & Oxygen partial pressures by Polarographic Methods
Risks
If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Storage
Inhaler (liquid) Store in a well closed container, Below 25°C. Protect from Sunlight and Heat.
Warnings
Avoid halothane in patients having susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia. Patients should observed caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, because may cause drowsiness. Patients with chronic disease such as diabetes or hypertension may require adjustment to their therapy before anesthesia. Anesthetics should be given with caution in patients with cardiac, respiratory, renal or hepatic impairment. Avoid use during pregnancy. Halothane should be used with caution in patients with phaeochromocytoma.Malothane should be used for dental proceduces outside hospital.
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