Halothane
Indications
Halothane is used for:
Induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia
Adult Dose
Inhalation
Induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia
Adult: Induction: 0.5% v/v of halothane in oxygen or mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, increase gradually according to response to a concentration of 2-4% v/v. Maintenance: 0.5-2% v/v depending on the flow rate used.
Child Dose
Inhalation
Induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia
Child: Induction: 1.5-2% v/v. Maintenance: 0.5-1.5% v/v.
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Known or suspected susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia, raised CSF pressure, history of unexplained jaundice or acute hepatic damage from previous exposure to halothane. Childn <18 yr undergoing outpatient dental surgery.
Precautions
Patient w/ phaeochromocytoma, myasthenia gravis, renal failure, pre-existing hepatic disease. Childn. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Monitoring Parameters Monitor pulse and BP.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Increased risk of ventricular dysrhythmias w/ epinephrine. Increased risk of malignant hyperthermia w/ suxamethonium. Prolonged recovery from anaesth w/ concurrent use of ketamine for induction. May potentiate response to non-depolarising muscle relaxants, hypotensive agents (e.g. hexamethonium bromide, trimetaphan camsilate).
Side Effects
Side effects of Halothane :
Post-op nausea, vomiting, and shivering; resp depression, hypotension, skeletal muscle relaxation, bradycardia.
Potentially Fatal: Hepatotoxicity, malignant hyperthermia, cardiac arrhythmias.
Mode of Action
Halothane is a potent non-flammable inhalational anaesth which depresses both cerebral function and sympathetic activity. It suppresses salivary, bronchial and gastric secretions and dilates the bronchioles.