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halothane
Also known as 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-chloro-1-bromoethane, 1-bromo-1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane, 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloro-2-bromoethane, 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-bromo-2-chloroethane, bromochlorotrifluoroethane
Halothane (bromochlorotrifluoroethane), sold under the brand name Fluothane among others, is a halocarbon with the chemical formula . It is used as a general anaesthetic given by inhalation. It can be used to induce or maintain anaesthesia. Its use in developed countries has been mostly replaced by newer anesthetic agents such as sevoflurane. One of its benefits is that it does not increase the production of saliva, which can be particularly useful in those who are difficult to intubate.
Key facts
- Drug.verifiedrevid
- 443852402
- Drug.image
- 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane 200.svg
- Drug.image_class
- skin-invert-image
- Drug.width
- 120
- Drug.image2
- Halothane-3D-vdW.png
- Drug.image_class2
- bg-transparent
- Drug.width2
- 120
- Drug.tradename
- Fluothane, Somnothane, Rhodialothan
- Drug.DailyMedID
- Halothane
- Drug.routes_of_administration
- Inhalation
- Drug.class
- Volatile anesthetic
- Drug.ATC_prefix
- N01
- Drug.ATC_suffix
~10 min read
Article
13 sectionsContents
- Medical uses
- Side effects
- Occupational safety
- Pharmacology
- Chemical and physical properties
- Synthesis
- Related substances
- History
- Society and culture
- Availability
- Greenhouse gas
- Ozone depletion
- References
Halothane (bromochlorotrifluoroethane), sold under the brand name Fluothane among others, is a halocarbon with the chemical formula . It is used as a general anaesthetic given by inhalation. It can be used to induce or maintain anaesthesia. Its use in developed countries has been mostly replaced by newer anesthetic agents such as sevoflurane. One of its benefits is that it does not increase the production of saliva, which can be particularly useful in those who are difficult to intubate.
Side effects include an irregular heartbeat, respiratory depression, and hepatotoxicity. Like all volatile anesthetics, it should not be used in people with a personal or family history of malignant hyperthermia. It appears to be safe in porphyria. It is unclear whether its usage during pregnancy is harmful to the fetus, and its use during a C-section is generally discouraged. Halothane is a chiral molecule that is used as a racemic mixture.