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NERVOUS SYSTEM › ANESTHETICS › ANESTHETICS, GENERAL › Halogenated hydrocarbons
enflurane
N01AB04
Forms & Strengths
- Inhalation liquid: 100% (240 mL bottles)
Adult Dosing
- Induction: Inhalation concentrations of 0.5% to 4.5% with oxygen or nitrous oxide/oxygen
- Maintenance: Surgical anesthesia typically maintained with 0.5% to 3.0% enflurane
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients for routine induction and maintenance not fully established; use determined by specialist anesthesiologist
Indications
- Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia
Mechanism of Action
- Halogenated general anesthetic that enhances GABA-A and glycine receptor function, inhibits NMDA receptors, and depresses central nervous system activity
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to enflurane or other halogenated anesthetics
- Known or suspected genetic susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia
- History of unexplained moderate-to-severe hepatic dysfunction following prior halogenated anesthesia exposure
Adverse Reactions
- Hypotension
- Respiratory depression
- Central nervous system excitation (seizure-like EEG changes, especially at higher depths/hypocapnia)
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Malignant hyperthermia
- Hepatic injury / elevated liver enzymes
Drug Interactions
- Non-depolarizing and depolarizing neuromuscular blockers (potentiates neuromuscular blockade)
- Strong CYP2E1 inducers (may increase risk of fluoride hepatotoxicity)
- Opioids and other CNS depressants (additive cardiorespiratory depression)
- Epinephrine and other sympathomimetics (risk of arrhythmias)
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use