HALOTHANE

Inhalation anaesthetic medicine

Dosage Forms

Solution for inhalation

100%

Uses

  • Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia

Dose and Duration

Induction (using a specifically calibrated vaporizer)
  • Adult: gradually increase inspired gas concentration to 2–4%
  • Child: or 1.5–2%, in oxygen or nitrous oxide–oxygen
Maintenance of anaesthesia
Adult and child: 0.5–2%

Contraindications

  • Raised intracranial pressure
  • History of jaundice or fever following previous exposure
  • Family history of malignant hyperthermia

Side Effects

  • Arrhythmias, bradycardia
  • Drowsiness
  • Hepatic damage
  • Post-operative shivering
  • Severe cardiopulmonary depression
  • Atony of gravid uterus

Interactions

  • Adrenaline (increased risk of arrhythmias)

Pregnancy

  • Do not use in 3ʳᵈ trimester

Breast-feeding

  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

  • Halothane is a volatile liquid at room temperature and container should be tightly closed
  • Should only be used by an experienced anaesthetist