Indication: For the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia
Pharmacology: Halothane is a general inhalation anesthetic used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. It reduces the blood pressure and frequently decreases the pulse rate and depresses respiration. It induces muscle relaxation and reduces pains sensitivity by altering tissue excitability. It does so by decreasing the extent of gap junction mediated cell-cell coupling and altering the activity of the channels that underlie the action potential.
Mechanism Of Action: Halothane induces a reduction in junctional conductance by decreasing gap junction channel opening times and increasing gap junction channel closing times. Halothane also activates calcium dependent ATPase in the sarcoplasmic reticulum by increasing the fluidity of the lipid membrane. Also appears to bind the D subunit of ATP synthase and NADH dehydogenase. Halothane also binds to the GABA receptor, the large conductance Ca2+ activated potassium channel, the glutamate receptor and the glycine receptor.
Drug Category: Anesthetics; Anesthetics, Inhalation; General Anesthetics; ATC:N01AB01
Interactions:
DrugBank: Interactions for Halothane
Interactions for Halothane:
FLUOTHANE augments the action of non-depolarising muscle relaxants and the muscle relaxant effects of
aminoglycosides.
FLUOTHANE may augment the hypotension caused by the ganglionic-blocking effect of tubocurarine.
Caution should be exercised during the administration of adrenaline to patients anaesthetised with FLUOTHANE as
arrhythmias may be precipitated. For this reason the dose of adrenaline should be restricted and an antiarrhythmic
agent administered as appropriate. Caution should also be applied for other sympathomimetics, and for aminophylline
and theophylline and tricyclic antidepressants, which may also precipitate arrhythmias.
Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoro-ethane
