Overview
Enflurane is a halogenated volatile inhalation anesthetic agent used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. It provides rapid induction and recovery with good muscle relaxation properties.
Mechanism of Action
Enflurane acts as a general anesthetic by potentiating GABA-A receptor activity and inhibiting NMDA receptor activity in the central nervous system, leading to depression of neuronal excitability and consciousness.
Indications
- Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia
Dosage
Induction: 2.0-4.5% inspired concentration. Maintenance: 1.5-3.0% inspired concentration. Dosage must be individualized based on patient response and administered via calibrated vaporizer.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to enflurane or other halogenated anesthetics
- History of malignant hyperthermia
- Severe hepatic dysfunction following previous enflurane anesthesia
Side Effects
- Hypotension
- Respiratory depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shivering
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Elevated serum fluoride levels
- Postoperative hepatic dysfunction (rare)
- Malignant hyperthermia (rare)
Interactions
- Non-depolarizing muscle relaxants: Enhanced neuromuscular blockade
- Epinephrine: Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias
- Aminoglycosides: Enhanced neuromuscular blockade
- Opioids: Enhanced respiratory depression
- MAO inhibitors: Potential for hypertensive crisis