Clinical Drug Experience Knowledgebase

Halothane, USP is an inhalation anesthetic chemically designated 2-Bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane. Halothane, sold under the brand name Fluothane among others, is a general anesthetic. It can be used to start or maintain anesthesia. One of its benefits is that it does not increase the production of saliva which can be particularly useful in those who are difficult to intubate. Side effects include an irregular heartbeat, decreased effort to breath (respiratory depression), and liver problems. It should not be used in people with porphyria or a history of malignant hyperthermia either in themselves or their family members. It is unclear whether use during pregnancy is harmful to the baby, and it is not generally recommended for use during a cesarean section. Fluothane is no longer commercially available in the United States.   ^NCATS