Methoxyflurane

introduced in 1962

BGPC 11

non-flammable

metabolism up to 50%

enzyme induction

good analgesic in subanaesthetic concentrations

 

Halothane

introduced in 1956

BCPC 2.4

potent, non-flammable, sweet odour

depresses myocardial contractility, small changes in peripheral resistance

mild ß stimulant effects

may cause arrhythmias, sensitises the myocardium to dysrhythmic effects of catecholamines
(Usually junctional)

 

Enflurane

introduced in 1972

BGPC 1.9

potent, ethereal odour, non-flammable

central stimulant effects (may cause seizures)

 

Isoflurane

introduced in 1981

BCPC 1.4

pungent odour, non-flammable

moderate myocardial depression, marked vasodilatation, reflex

tachycardia

coronary steal

 

Sevoflurane

introduced around 1994, used in Japan since 1990

BGPC 0.69

potent, non-flammable

fruity odour

minimal airway irritability

less effect on heart rate cf to isoflurane, no coronary steal

Compound A breakdown product

 

Desflurane

used since 1992

BGPC 0.45

pungent odour, significant airway irritability

low potency

rapid onset

special heated vapouriser

 

Nitrous oxide

isolated by Priestly in 1772

BGPC 0.47

sweet odour

diffuses 34 times faster than nitrogen

bone marrow suppression

cause nausea and vomiting

cardiac depression

 

 

poynting effect - (???) separation of N2O and O2 in entonoux