enflurane

n.
A nonflammable liquid, C₃H₂ClF₅O, used as an inhalant anesthetic.

[EN-¹ + FLU(O)R(O)- + (ETH)ANE.]

n

A nonflammable anesthetic gas belonging to the ether family, used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.

Brand names: Compound 347™Ethrane®

Chemical formula:

Español:
• Líquido para inhalación de enflurano

Enflurane inhalation liquid

What is enflurane inhalation liquid?

ENFLURANE (Ethrane®) is used for general anesthesia during surgery and cesarean section. In addition to controlling pain and making you unconscious, general anesthesia control the body's reaction to stress and relieves fear and anxiety associated with surgery. You may receive more than one kind of anesthesia during your surgery or procedure. General anesthesia is commonly used for extensive and long surgeries, but also can be used in shorter and limited procedures. Generic enflurane inhalation liquid is available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• history of malignant hyperthermia
• liver disease
• myasthenia gravis
• seizure disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to enflurane, or other anesthetics
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Enflurane is given through inhalation (breathing the gas into the lungs) by trained anesthesia professionals in a controlled environment like an operating room before and during surgery or procedures. Since there is no one ideal general anesthetic, a combination of drugs that are either injected or inhaled are typically used.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with enflurane?

• alcohol
• amiodarone
• doxapram
• herbal products, including St. John's wort
• isoniazid, INH
• levodopa
• medicines for colds, breathing difficulties, or weight loss
• medicines for high blood pressure, including beta-blockers
• medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions liike myasthenia gravis
• rifampin
• theophylline
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking enflurane?

You will be closely monitored following anesthesia with enflurane.

Enflurane can affect your ability to drive or do anything that needs mental alertness for about 24 hours after anesthesia. Do not attempt to drive yourself home if you have received enflurane for minor outpatient surgery. You may not think clearly or notice changes in your mood for 2—3 days after receiving enflurane.

You may feel dizzy and lightheaded. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit up or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy, avoid alcoholic drinks for at least 24 hours after you receive enflurane.

What side effects may I notice from using enflurane?

During your surgery or procedure the anesthesiologist will closely monitory all your body systems and treat any serious side effects. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• hallucinations
• high body temperature
• irregular heartbeat
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• slow or difficult breathing
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• shivering
• trembling

Where can I keep my medicine?

You will only receive this medicine before surgery or other procedures.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

A fluorinated ether, similar in action to halothane, used for general inhalation anesthesia.

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