Methoxyflurane

Question 1

What is methoxyflurane?

Answer 1

Methoxyflurane (3mL bottle) is a volatile, self-administered inhalation analgesic indicated for short-term pain relief. Methoxyflurane is more susceptible to metabolism than other halogenated ethers and has a greater propensity to diffuse into fatty tissue.

Onset: 1-3 min
DUration: 5-10 min
Half-life: not available

Metabolised by the liver and excreted mainly by the lungs.
*Methoxyflurane is nephrotoxic

Question 2

Indications for methoxyflurane?

Answer 2

1. Pain

Question 3

Contraindications for methoxyflurane?

Answer 3

1. Allergy/ADR
2. Patients under 1yr
3. History of significant liver or renal disease
4. History of malignant hyperthermia

Question 4

Precautions for methoxyflurane?

Answer 4

1. ALOC
2. Intoxicated or drug affected patients
3. Cardiovascular instability
4. Respiratory depression

Question 5

Side effects of methoxyflurane?

Answer 5

1. ALOC
2. Cough
3. Renal/hepatic failure (following repeated dose exposure)

Question 6

What is the dose of methoxyflurane for an adult?

Answer 6

3 mL INH
Repeated once at 20 min
Total max dose 6 mL

Question 7

What is the dose of methoxyflurane for a paediatric?

Answer 7

> 1 yr
3 mL INH
Single dose only