About desflurane
Volatile inhaled general anesthetic
Used for
- Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia during surgery.
Usual adult dose
Given by an anesthesiologist through an anesthesia machine; concentration is adjusted to clinical effect.
Usual dose in children
Not used for induction in children; may be used to maintain anesthesia in children after inhaled induction.
Common side effects
- Cough, breath-holding, or airway irritation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure or increased heart rate
- Shivering or headache
Important warnings
- Can cause malignant hyperthermia in susceptible people.
- May increase potassium levels and cause dangerous heart rhythms, especially in certain neuromuscular conditions.
- Can impair breathing and circulation; requires continuous monitoring by trained anesthesia professionals.
- May rarely cause liver injury or seizures.
Pregnancy
Used only when general anesthesia is necessary; discuss risks with the anesthesia team.
Breastfeeding
Anesthetic exposure clears quickly; breastfeeding can usually resume when the parent is awake and able to feed safely.
Interactions
- Other anesthetics, opioids, and sedatives can increase breathing and heart effects.
- Epinephrine and similar medicines may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
- Succinylcholine can contribute to dangerous potassium increases in susceptible patients.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.