Halothane is a gaseous anesthetic used to calm and desensitize the patient during the surgical procedure. Halothane should only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital.
Halothane works by decreasing the work of the central nervous system which will affect breathing and heart contractility. This mode of action is used to induce (start) and maintain the anesthetic process before and during surgery.
Halothane trademark: Fluothane
What is Halothane
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anesthesia or anesthesia |
| Benefit | Eliminate patient awareness during the surgical procedure |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Halothane for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Halothane can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Fluid inhaler |
Warning Before Using Halothane
Halothane is administered by an anesthesiologist or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. There are several things that you should pay attention to before undergoing an anesthetic procedure with halothane, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Halothane should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from a stroke, diabetes, pheochromocytoma, seizures, myasthenia gravis, heart disease, hypertension, lung disease, kidney failure, or increased intracranial pressure.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Report to your doctor immediately if you have a drug allergy or overdose after using halothane.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Halothane
The dose of halothane given depends on the patient's condition and the medical procedure to be performed. The dose given can be in the form of percent volume / volume (% v/v).
Halothane can be administered with a mixture of oxygen or nitrous oxide. Here are common halothane doses:
- Mature: 0.5% v/v. The dose can be increased up to 2–4% v/v. The dose to maintain anesthesia is 0.5–2% v/v.
- Children: 1.5–2% v/v. The dose to maintain anesthesia is 0.5–1% v/v.
How to Use Halothane Correctly
Halothane will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. This medicine will be given through the machine vaporizer with a breathing apparatus, such as nonrebreathing oxygen face mask or Partial Rebreathing Mask.
The patient will feel calm and fall asleep after this drug is given. During medical procedures and while the effects of halothane are still ongoing, the doctor will monitor the condition of the patient's blood pressure or oxygen levels.
Halothane Interactions with Other Drugs
Halothane can cause drug interactions if used together with other drugs. Some of the drug interactions that can occur are:
- Increased risk of malignant hyperthermia when used with suxamethonium
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances if used with hydroxychloroquine, haloperidol, amiodarone, epinephrine, or lefamulin
- Slowed recovery when used with ketamine
Halothane Side Effects and Dangers
During the administration of halothane, doctors and medical staff will closely monitor the condition and response of the patient's body. Some of the side effects that can occur after using halothane are:
- Irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, or palpitations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Liver disorders and damage
- Hard to breathe
- Hypotension, which is low blood pressure
- Malignant hyperthermia, which is an extreme increase in body temperature
Doctors and medical staff will immediately provide treatment if patients experience these side effects after using halothane.
