Halothane

Halothane is a potent inhalation anesthetic widely used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Halothane is non-flammable, induction and recovery are smooth and rapid and the depth of anesthesia is rapidly altered. Inhaled gases are the mainstay of anesthesia and are primarily used for the maintenance of anesthesia after administration of an intravenous agent. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly altered by changing the concentration of inhaled anesthetic. Most of the agents are rapidly eliminated from the body and do not cause post-operative respiratory depression.

Halothane is primarily indicated in conditions like Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia.

Halothane is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac insufficiency, Malignant hyperthermia.

The following adverse reactions have been reported: Hepatic necrosis, cardiac arrest, hypotension, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, hyperpyrexia, shivering, nausea and emesis.

When previous exposure to Halothane was followed by unexplained jaundice, consideration should be given to the use of other agents. Halothane, USP should be used in vaporizers that permit a reasonable approximation of output, and preferably of the calibrated type. The vaporizer should be placed out of circuit in closed circuit rebreathing systems; otherwise overdosage is difficult to avoid. The patient should be closely observed for signs of overdosage, i.e., depression of blood pressure, pulse rate and ventilation, particularly during assisted or controlled ventilation.

When previous exposure to Halothane was followed by unexplained jaundice, consideration should be given to the use of other agents. Halothane, USP should be used in vaporizers that permit a reasonable approximation of output, and preferably of the calibrated type. The vaporizer should be placed out of circuit in closed circuit rebreathing systems; otherwise overdosage is difficult to avoid. The patient should be closely observed for signs of overdosage, i.e., depression of blood pressure, pulse rate and ventilation, particularly during assisted or controlled ventilation.

1 to 5 % (3 (3)) As recommended. Inhalation — As Required Scraped Dose — Halothane, USP may be administered by the nonrebreathing technique, partial rebreathing, or closed technique. The induction dose varies from patient to patient. The maintenance dose varies from 0.5 to 1.5%. Halothane may be administered with either oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide.

0.5 to 2 % (1.2 (1.25)) As recommended. Inhalation — For Maintenance of anaesthesia, As Required 2 to 0 % (1 (1)) As recommended. Inhalation — For Induction of anaesthesia , As Required

0.5 to 2 % (1.2 (1.25)) As recommended. Inhalation — For Maintenance of anaesthesia, As Required 1.5 to 2 % (1.8 (1.75)) As recommended. Inhalation — For Induction of anaesthesia , As Required

Halothane is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAdrenalineCoadministration result in ventricular arrhythmias and acute pulmonary edema or death.MajorThis combination should be avoided or used cautiously.If used together than dose adjustment of adrenaline is necessary.AlcoholAlcuronium (Cl)AlfuzosinEnhanced hypotensive effects when alpha-blockers (e.g Alfuzosin) given with general anesthetics (e.g Halothane)MajorAminophyllineAminophyllineAtracurium (Besylate)Halothane may increases the effect of atracurium.ModerateAtracurium dosage must be reduced.Chlorpromazine (HCl)Clonidine (HCl)CocaineCyclophosphamideDexfenfluramine (HCl)DiazepamDiazoxideEnhanced hypotensive effect when Diazoxide given with general anesthetics (Halothane).Dobutamine (HCl)Dopamine (HCl)DoxacuriumHalothane may initiate non depolarizing muscle relaxant effect.ModerateHalothane dosage must be adjusted and administered by specially trained anesthologist.DoxapramEphedrineconcomitant administration should be avoided with anesthetic such as halothane , cyclopropaneErgometrine (Maleate)Halothane decreases the oxytcic effects of ergonovine.MinorClosely monitor for change in efficacy during coadministration.EtomidateFenfluramine (HCl)Indacaterolmay potentiate the effect of adrenergic agonist on the cardiovascular system.monitor closelyIsoproterenolKetamine (HCl)Ketamine (HCl)LabetalolLevodopaLevodopaLignocaineMethoxamineMethylergometrine (Maleate)MorphineNefopam (HCl)Nitric OxideNitrous OxideNitrous OxideNoradrenaline (Acid Tartrate)Oxtriphylline (Choline Theophyllinate)OxytocinPancuronium (Br)Halothane potentiate the effect of pancuronium.ModerateDose of pancuronium should be reduced if necessary. Inhalational anesthetics should be administered only by specially trained personnels.PentazocinePhendimetrazinephendimetrazine tartarate use with Halothane increases risk of cardiac arrythmia.Phenytoin (Na)PractololPropofolHalothane can be expected to increase the anesthetic or sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of Propofol Injectable Emulsion.Quinagolide (HCl)Rauwolfia ReserpineRauwolfia ReserpineReserpineSufentanil (Citrate)TheophyllineTubocurarine (Cl) Halothane potentiate the effect of tubocurarine.ModerateDose of tubocurarine should be reduced. Halothane should be administer only by specially trained health care providers.Vecuronium (Br)Halothane potentiate the effect of vecuronium.ModerateDose of vecuronium should be reduced. Halothane should be administer only by specially trained health care providers.Verapamil (HCl)Verapamil (HCl) These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Inhaler (liquid) Store in a well closed container, Below 25°C. Protect from Sunlight and Heat.