Sevoflurane has a hypnotic and muscle relaxant effect. The drug is therefore used in anesthesia before surgical procedures. Sevoflurane is inhaled through a mask and places the patient in a state of general anesthesia. The medication is individually tailored to the patient and closely monitored by healthcare professionals. Sevoflurane can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and drowsiness.
What is sevoflurane?
Sevoflurane is what is known as a volatile anesthetic. Volatile anesthetics are drugs used by inhalation to induce or maintain anesthesia. Chemically, sevoflurane belongs to the flurane group of substances. Flurans are non-flammable and colorless. The odor of fluranes is typically pungent. This is not the case with sevoflurane. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for induction of anesthesia via mask. Other flurans include desflurane, enflurane, isoflurane and methoxyflurane. Those of these active ingredients that are still commercially available are in liquid form. The trade name of sevoflurane is Sevorane.
Pharmacologic effects on the body and organs
Sevoflurane has muscle relaxant and hypnotic effects. Muscle relaxant drugs are substances that have a temporary sustained relaxing effect on skeletal muscles. Sevoflurane is a so-called peripheral muscle relaxant. It exerts its effect at the motor endplate of the muscle, thus preventing excitation of the muscle by the nerve fibers. The hypnotic effect of sevoflurane puts the person treated with the drug into a state of complete insensibility. Sevoflurane causes the shutdown of the conscious and pain systems in the central nervous system. The exact mechanism of action of substances that induce a narcotic state has not been fully elucidated to date and is the subject of controversy. Effects on a number of receptors of the central nervous system and on certain ion channels are described for the state of anesthesia. Sevoflurane has not only a hypnotic and muscle relaxant but also a weak analgesic effect. Analgesics are substances commonly referred to as pain relievers.
Medical application and use for treatment and prevention.
Sevoflurane is a drug used in medicine to put the patient under general anesthesia. It is commercially available in liquid form and is inhaled through a vapor mask. Patients fall into a deep sleep as a result of inhaling sevoflurane. Consciousness and pain sensation are eliminated and the patient is ready for surgery. Unlike other fluranes, sevoflurane has no corrosive effect on the mucous membranes. The odor is also pleasantly neutral. Therefore, the substance is used especially in pediatric anesthesia. The drug may only be administered by healthcare professionals. This must be trained in the administration of the drug. Furthermore, it is necessary for an anesthesiologist to monitor the medication. Sevoflurane must not be used if the patient is allergic to this substance and similarly acting anesthetics. In addition, the drug must not be used if malignant hyperthermia is suspected. Malignant hyperthermia is defined as an abnormally elevated body temperature. This can lead to massive metabolic derailments and be life-threatening. The dosage of sevoflurane depends on body weight, height, age, sex, and the type and estimated duration of the surgical procedure. The anesthesiologist monitors the patient’s condition throughout therapy. He or she decides when the medication is finished.
Risks and side effects
Like almost any drug, sevoflurane can cause unwanted side effects. Very common side effects include cough, nausea, vomiting, slowing of heart activity, tremors, urge to move, and low blood pressure. Drowsiness, drowsiness, fever, chills, and respiratory distress are relatively common. Taking the drug may further lead to increased levels of liver function values, white blood cells and glucose in the blood. Occasionally, disturbances of electrical conduction at the AV node of the heart occur.Other possible side effects cannot be ruled out, including liver inflammation, skin rash, itching, chest pain, inflammation of the skin, seizures, shortness of breath, hives, facial swelling, and cardiac arrest.
