About halothane
Volatile inhaled general anesthetic
Used for
- Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia
Usual adult dose
Administered by inhalation; concentration is adjusted by an anesthesia professional to effect.
Usual dose in children
Administered by inhalation; concentration is adjusted by an anesthesia professional to effect.
Common side effects
- Low blood pressure
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Breathing suppression
- Nausea and vomiting
Important warnings
- Can trigger malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening reaction.
- May cause liver injury, rarely severe or fatal.
- Requires administration and monitoring by trained anesthesia professionals.
- Can increase heart sensitivity to adrenaline-like medicines, causing dangerous arrhythmias.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically necessary; an anesthesia professional weighs benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter milk; breastfeeding can generally resume when the person is awake and able to feed.
Interactions
- Adrenaline-like medicines may increase risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
- Other anesthetics and central nervous system depressants can increase anesthesia and breathing effects.
- Non-depolarizing muscle relaxants may have stronger effects.
- Succinylcholine may increase malignant hyperthermia risk.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.