Details

Halothane is a general inhalation anaesthetic used for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia. It reduces the blood pressure and frequently decreases the pulse rate and depresses respiration. It induces muscle relaxation and reduces pains sensitivity by altering tissue excitability. It does so by decreasing the extent of gap junction mediated cell-cell coupling and altering the activity of the channels that underlie the action potential.

Typical Uses

Halothane is used as a general anaesthesia for all types of surgeries. Halothane is not recommended for obstetrical anaesthesia except when uterine relaxation is required.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects of halothane include liver damage, heart arrest and abnormal increase in body temperature, low blood pressure, respiratory arrest, shivering, nausea and vomiting.

Drug Interactions

• Halothane+amiodarone- Using amiodarone together with halothane can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Halothane+anagrelide- Using anagrelide together with halothane can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Halothane+bepridil- Using halothane together with bepridil can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Halothane+clozapine- Using clozapine together with halothane can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

Mechanism of action

Halothane belongs to a class of inhalational anaesthetic agents. Halothane acts in the brain (central nervous system) and causes temporary state of unconsciousness during surgeries.

Pregnancy Category : C