Changes

 

'''Isoflurane''' is currently the most commonly used inhalation agent in veterinary practice. Similarly to [[Halothane|halothane]] it's main use is as a maintenance agent after induction with an [[Injectable Agents|injectable agent]] but, again, can be used to induce patients. However, it does not have a pleasant odour and so many patients will breath hold. Isoflurane is licenced in most companion animals.

'''Isoflurane''' is currently the most commonly used inhalation agent in veterinary practice. Similarly to [[Halothane|halothane]] it's main use is as a maintenance agent after induction with an [[Injectable agents| injectable agent]] but, again, can be used to induce patients. However, it does not have a pleasant odour and so many patients will breath hold. Isoflurane is licenced in most companion animals.

==Pharmacokinetics==

==Pharmacokinetics==

Isoflurane is a nonflammable and stable anaesthetic that, at room temperature is a liquid and so requires passage through a [[Vaporisers|vaporiser]]. Unlike [[Halothane|halothane]], it does not require a preservative, nor does it undergo ultraviolet degradation. The '''blood:gas partition coefficient''' is lower then that of halothane, meaning that is poorly blood soluble. This means that it cause rapid induction , recovery and depth of anaesthesia. The '''MAC''' for isoflurane is approximately ''1.3%'', making it ''less potent'' then halothane, but it is less tissue soluble. There is minimal metabolism to isoflurane, but any that occurs is in the liver.

Isoflurane is a nonflammable and stable anaesthetic that, at room temperature, is a liquid and so requires passage through a [[Vaporisers|vaporiser]]. Unlike [[Halothane|halothane]], it does not require a preservative, nor does it undergo ultraviolet degradation. The '''blood:gas partition coefficient''' is lower than that of halothane, meaning that is poorly blood soluble. This means that it causes rapid induction , recovery and depth of anaesthesia. The '''MAC''' for isoflurane is approximately ''1.3%'' in dogs and ''1.6%'' in cats, making it ''less potent'' than halothane, but it is less tissue soluble. There is minimal metabolism to isoflurane, but any that occurs is in the liver.

==Adverse Effects==

==Adverse Effects==

*Isoflurane should not be used in patients with a susceptilbility to malignant hyperthermia.  

*Isoflurane should not be used in patients with a susceptilbility to malignant hyperthermia.  

*It potentiates non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents.

*It potentiates non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents.