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Sevoflurane




Sevoflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl) ethyl ether), also called '''fluoromethyl''', is a sweet-smelling, non-flammable fully-fluorinated methyl isopropyl ether, used for induction and maintenance of General Anesthesia . Together with Desflurane , it is replacing Isoflurane and Halothane in modern Anesthesiology . It is often administered in a mixture of Nitrous Oxide and oxygen. After Desflurane it is the Volatile Anesthetic with the fastest onset and offset.

Though it vaporizes readily, it is a liquid at room temperature and is administered via a Anesthetic Vaporizer attached to an Anesthetic Machine .

It was introduced into clinical practice initially in Japan in 1990.

In contact with the Soda Lime in a Rebreathing Apparatus that serves as Carbon Dioxide absorber sevoflurane forms at least two degradation products, ''Compound A'' ether and ''Compound B'' [1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoro-2-(fluoromethoxy)-3-methoxypropane], especially at higher temperatures and when the soda lime is desiccated. Compound A has been shown to cause renal necrosis in rats. In humans, direct histological evidence of renal toxicity has not been demonstrated, although there is dose-related Proteinuria , Glycosuria and enzymuria. During low-flow anaesthesia, when the lower fresh gas flow leads to decreased flushing of the circuit and increased temperature of the Soda Lime, Compound A may build up to clinically significant levels. As a result, sevoflurane is generally administered with a minimum fresh gas flow of 2 liters per minute, making it a relatively expensive choice for maintaining general anesthesia.


Physical properties