Sevoflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl) ethyl ether), also called fluoromethyl, is a sweet-smelling, non-flammable fully-fluorinated methyl isopropyl ether, used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Together with desflurane, it is replacing isoflurane and halothane in modern anesthesiology. It is often administered in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. After desflurane it is the volatile anesthetic with the fastest onset and offset.

Though it vaporizes readily, it is a liquid at room temperature and is administered via a anesthetic vaporizer attached to an anesthetic machine.

It was introduced into clinical practice initially in Japan in 1990.

In contact with the soda lime in a rebreathing apparatus that serves as carbon dioxide absorber sevoflurane forms at least two degradation products, Compound A ether and Compound B ^*, especially at higher temperatures and when the soda lime is desiccated. Compound A has been shown to cause renal necrosis in rats. In humans, direct histological evidence of renal toxicity has not been demonstrated, although there is dose-related proteinuria, glycosuria and enzymuria. During low-flow anaesthesia, when the lower fresh gas flow leads to decreased flushing of the circuit and increased temperature of the Soda Lime, Compound A may build up to clinically significant levels. As a result, sevoflurane is generally administered with a minimum fresh gas flow of 2 liters per minute, making it a relatively expensive choice for maintaining general anesthesia.

Physical properties

External links

Anesthetics | Ethers | Organofluorides

Sewofluran