Inhalation Agents

Question 1

Desflurane - Indications

Answer 1

• Used for maintenance anesthesia
• Not used for mark induction due to pungent odour which causes coughing, breathholding or laryngospasm
• Recommended for use in obese patients due to low lipid solubility

Question 2

Desflurane - Adverse Effects/Comments

Answer 2

• Rapid emergence
• Upper airway irritation - coughing
• May cause hypotension
• May cause nausea
• Muscle relaxant effects

Question 3

Sevoflurane - Indications

Answer 3

• Used for mask induction and maintenance of anesthesia

* Useful in pediatrics for induction

Question 4

Sevoflurane - Adverse Effects/Comments

Answer 4

• Extremely rapid onset & emergence
• Beneficial for day care surgeries
• Minimal dysrhythmias
• May increase ICP
• Most expensive of all agents

Question 5

Nitrous oxide (N2O) - Indications

Answer 5

• Used to vaporize anesthetic gases
• Additive anesthetic effect so that lower concentrations of volatile agents are required
• Analgesic properties
• Sweet smelling

Question 6

Nitrous oxide (N2O) - Adverse Effects/Comments

Answer 6

• No muscle relaxant properties
• May cause nausea
• Promotes expansion of closed air passages - rarely used in ear surgery