Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Halothane
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The drug is one of the representatives of halogen containing anesthetics. Scientists synthesized Halothane in the 50s of last century. It can be said that this is the most widely used anesthetic, although recently the problem of its hepatotoxicity was revealed and in the developed countries Halothane was replaced with more modern preparations.
According to its physical and chemical properties, it is a clear, colorless liquid. This fluid is mobile and heavy, non-flammable. The drug is poorly soluble in water, but it mixes well with ethanol and ether.
Release form
Halothane is released as a solution for inhalation in bottles of amber color of 250 ml.
Pharmacodynamics
For operation, Halothane is not used in its pure form. It is mixed with oxygen. Under the influence of such anesthesia, the central nervous system is depressed and the person is peacefully disconnected. Surgical stage occurs in 4-6 minutes. Then the concentration of the drug is reduced, and then, depending on the course of the operation, it is possible to increase the concentration of the drug. But you need to do this slowly, so that there is not a sudden drop in blood pressure. After stopping the drug, the person begins to wake up in 3-5 minutes. If the anesthesia was short-lived, then it completely passes in 5-10 minutes, and if prolonged - then after 30-40. The drug also has a weak anelizing effect and relaxes the muscles. During anesthesia, intraocular pressure decreases, cough and vomiting reflexes are blocked.
Pharmacokinetics
The drug is easily absorbed into the body from the respiratory tract and then quickly released by the lungs. Only a small part of Halothane remains in the body in the form of metabolites, which are then excreted in the urine.
Dosing and administration
For anesthesia, inhalation devices with a reversible and nonreversible breathing circuit are used. Both these devices are suitable for the application of Halothane. The dosage should be very accurate. The initial concentration of Halothane for anesthesia is 0.5%, after it is increased to 3%. During the operation, the concentration of Halothane can vary from 0.5 to 1.5%.
In this case, for younger patients, higher concentrations of Halothane are used, for elderly patients - lower. But, in any case it depends on the physical condition of the patient.
Use of the halothana during pregnancy
Halothane can not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is only permissible if there is a life testimony. The fact is that Halothane easily passes the placental barrier and can cause depression in the fetus. Since Halothane causes a decrease in the tone of the musculature of the uterus, it is not used in obstetrics, so that there is no postpartum hemorrhage. In the course of research, the remains of Halotan were found in breast milk, so after anesthesia with Halotan, breast-feeding can be done only after 24 hours.
Contraindications
The drug can not be used for anesthesia in people who are sensitive to drugs containing fluoride, if the person is sick with jaundice, hepatitis, or has a liver function disorder. This drug is contraindicated with increased intracranial pressure, reduced arterial pressure, if the heart rhythm is disturbed. Contraindications are also porphyria, myasthenia gravis, hypercapnia, thyrotoxicosis. As already mentioned during pregnancy and childbirth. For dental manipulation of adolescents and children, Halothane is used only in a hospital.
Side effects of the halothana
Halothane also has side effects. For the nervous system, it is dangerous to increase intracranial pressure, increased pressure of cerebrospinal fluid, respiratory depression. When Halothane anesthesia passes, there may be a headache, muscle tremors, nausea.
The cardiovascular system can react with a decrease in blood pressure, a violation of the heart rhythm.
Rarely, but there may be a reaction of the liver. In the first two weeks after anesthesia, fever may rise and mild jaundice appear.
At birth, the tone of the uterus may decrease or bleeding may increase with an abortion.
Interactions with other drugs
Halothane is very carefully applied together with adrenaline. This can cause heart rhythm disturbances.
Halothane interacts well with muscle relaxants, it is only necessary to carefully monitor blood pressure and heart rate. The dose of muscle relaxants in this case should be reduced.
Ganglia-blockers in combination with Halothane are also used in smaller doses.
Storage conditions
Halothane should be stored in a tightly closed bottle, in a dark place. Storage temperature should not exceed 25 ° C.
Do not allow children to the place of storage of Halothane in particular, and all medications in general.
Shelf life
Halotan is 5 years old. After the expiry of this period, it is absolutely impossible to use it.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Halothane" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.