Enflurane (Ethrane) is a halogenated inhalation anesthetic. It is a colorless and nonflammable liquid that vaporizes readily and is used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. It produces a rapid onset and recovery from anesthesia. Enflurane can be used in a variety of settings, including operating rooms and intensive care units. It is generally well tolerated by patients, however, it can cause some respiratory depression and decreased heart rate.
Enflurane is a fluorinated hydrocarbon that was once a commonly used inhaled anesthetic. It was introduced in the 1970s and became a popular anesthetic agent due to several advantages over other inhalational anesthetics available at the time, including:
- Potent: Enflurane is a potent inhalational anesthetic, meaning that a relatively small amount of the drug can produce a deep level of anesthesia.
- Relatively non-irritating to the respiratory tract: Compared to some other inhalational anesthetics, enflurane caused less irritation to the airways.
- Provides muscle relaxation: Enflurane has some muscle relaxant properties, which can be helpful during surgery.
However, enflurane also has some disadvantages, including:
- Can cause liver damage: There is a risk of enflurane causing liver damage, especially with repeated exposure.
- Not as controllable as some other anesthetics: Enflurane can be more difficult to control than some other inhalational anesthetics, making it more challenging to maintain a stable anesthetic depth.
- Environmental concerns: Enflurane is a greenhouse gas, and its use has been linked to environmental concerns.
Due to these disadvantages, enflurane has largely been replaced by newer inhalational anesthetics that are safer and more controllable. In the United States, for example, the use of enflurane has declined significantly since the 1990s. Enflurane was withdrawn from the market in the United States in 2011.