Learn All About The Anesthetic Halothan

Halothane is  a common anesthetic used by healthcare professionals to induce anesthesia. It is an anesthetic that doctors give through inhalation to induce a rapid but gentle loss of consciousness. It has a pleasant scent, is colorless and does not irritate the mucous membranes.

Healthcare professionals used this drug a lot during the 1950s and 1980s, both in children and adults. It was synthesized by the scientist, CW Suckling, in 1951, and  was first used as an anesthetic in 1956.  It replaced the use of other anesthetics at the time, such as ether and cyclopropane.

However, the use of halothane gradually declined during the 80s due to new volatile anesthetics on the market such as enflurane and isoflurane. Although it is rarely used in developed countries, some third world countries still continue to use it in veterinary medicine as it is not very expensive.

Dosage and administration

Nowadays,  there are various aerosol systems for administering halothane on the market. For example, there is open system, semi-open system and closed system. Health professionals use them interchangeably because they all give good results.

The dosage will vary depending on the characteristics of the patient. In that sense, healthcare professionals can give a concentration of 2-4% halothane in oxygen / nitric oxide to induce anesthesia in adults and the elderly.

If the goal is to maintain anesthesia, the professional can use a concentration of 0.5-2% halothane. On the other hand, for administration in children, a physician may use a concentration of 1.5-2% to induce anesthesia and a concentration of 0.5-2% to maintain anesthesia.

Contraindications to halothane

Medical professionals cannot give this drug to patients who have suffered from malignant hyperthermia. Experts also advise against using it in patients who are susceptible to suffering from it.

In addition, if the patient develops clinical symptoms of unexplained jaundice or pyrexia after receiving halothane, it is also advised against giving it in the future.

In addition, insufficient studies have been performed to determine the safety of use of this drug in pregnant or lactating women. It is therefore best to avoid general anesthesia with inhalation at the beginning of a pregnancy.

With regard to breastfeeding women, there are not enough controlled studies of the use of halothane in this population. Although experts have discovered the presence of this drug in breast milk, they have not established the effects of it on babies.

In addition, persons driving or operating machinery should take into account that general anesthesia may affect their ability to do so. Either way, despite these contraindications, health professionals have been using this anesthetic for over 30 years with no visible consequences.

Side effects of halothane

Halothane, like all other medicines,  has possible side effects. Side effects are unwanted and unintended events that a patient can expect when they begin treatment with medication.

In that sense, halothane can trigger hypermetabolism, which can eventually lead to malignant hyperthermia. Therefore, experts advise against using it in patients who have suffered from it.

There are other possible side effects as well. Overall, these include:

• Hyperkapni.
• Stiffness in the muscles.
• Tachycardia.
• Takypnø.
• Cardiac arrhythmia.

However, this drug can also cause other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting or liver problems. As you can see, these symptoms are not very specific. That’s why you need to pay attention. If any symptoms occur, treatment should be stopped immediately.

Conclusion

Halothane is a drug that healthcare professionals give through inhalation to induce or maintain general anesthesia. If you have any questions about this medicine or general anesthesia,  talk to your doctor or pharmacist.