• Induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia:
    • Adult: Induction: 0.5% v/v of halothane in oxygen or mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen
    • Increased gradually according to response to a concentration of 2-4% v/v
    • Maintenance: 0.5-2% v/v depending on the flow rate used
  • Child:
    • Induction: 1.5-2% v/v
    • Maintenance: 0.5-1.5% v/v
  • Inhalation:
    • Pack size: 250mL
  • Should NOT be kept indefinitely in vaporizer bottles not specifically designed for its use.
  • Reacts with many metals. Rubber and some plastics deteriorate when in contact with halothane vapour or liquid
  • Should be protected from light

General inhalation anaesthetic

Due to its actions on multiple ion channels, it ultimately depresses nerve conduction, breathing, cardiac contractility. Its immobilizing effects have been attributed to its binding to potassium channels in cholinergic neurons.

Its effects are also likely due to binding to NMDA and calcium channels, causing hyperpolarization.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Respiratory depression
  • Hypotension
  • Skeletal muscle relaxation
  • Bradycardia
  • Headache
  • Hypersensitivity to components
  • Known or suspected susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia
  • Raised CSF pressure
  • History of unexplained jaundice or acute hepatic damage from previous exposure to halothane
  • Children <18 years undergoing outpatient dental surgery
  • Obstetrical anesthesia except when uterine relaxation is required
  • Adrenaline
  • Suxamethonium
  • Ketamine-prolonged recovery from anesthesia

                                   Drug Status

Availability Prescription only
Pregnancy Category C
Breastfeeding Weigh risk vs benefit
Schedule Not controlled
BRAND NAME STRENGTH FORMULATION PACK SIZE MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTOR
Halothane 250mL Nebuliser Solution 1’s Piramal Enterprises Galaxy Pharma