Home Drug Guide Methoxyflurane

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Methoxyflurane

Brand Names Penthrane

Classification

Therapeutic: Anesthetic, Sedative

Pharmacological: Inhalational anesthetic agent

FDA Approved Indications

  • Use as an inhalational anesthetic for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.

Mechanism of Action

Methoxyflurane produces anesthesia by enhancing the activity of GABA_A receptors in the central nervous system, leading to increased chloride conductance and neuronal hyperpolarization.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Administer via inhalation using approved equipment; dose depends on procedure and patient response.

Pediatric: Use not approved officially; consult specialized guidelines.

Geriatric: Careful titration required due to increased sensitivity; monitor closely.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; may accumulate and cause toxicity.

Hepatic Impairment: Use cautiously; liver function may influence metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Readily absorbed via inhalation.

Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body, crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Minimal metabolism; mainly exhaled unchanged.

Excretion: Primarily exhaled unchanged through the lungs.

Half Life: Approximately 2-3 minutes in healthy individuals.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to methoxyflurane or other halogenated anesthetics.
  • History of malignant hyperthermia.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, cardiac disease, or increased intracranial pressure.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Dizziness (Frequent)
  • Nausea (Frequent)
  • Headache (Common)
  • Fatigue (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Malignant hyperthermia (Rare)
  • Hepatotoxicity (Rare)
  • Malignant hyperthermia (Rare)
  • Cardiac arrhythmias (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Concurrent use with other halogenated anesthetics or medications that sensitize the myocardium to arrhythmias.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation, and neurological status.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for impaired gas exchange.
  • Risk for impaired neurological function.

Implementation: Administer under supervision in a facility equipped for anesthesia; monitor closely.

Evaluation: Ensure effective anesthesia with minimal adverse effects; monitor recovery and any adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct about the purpose of the inhalation agent.
  • Warn about possible dizziness, nausea, and coordination impairment.
  • Advise to report any unusual symptoms immediately.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for hepatotoxicity; use with caution, especially in long-term or repeated applications.

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: May interfere with liver function tests if hepatotoxicity occurs.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Hypotension, bradycardia, anesthesia overdose, hepatotoxicity.

Treatment: Discontinue administration immediately; supportive care; monitor vital signs; provide oxygen and ventilation support as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and ignition sources.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.