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Isoflurane Inhalation Solution

What is this medication?

ISOFLURANE (eye so FLOO rane) causes drowsiness before and during a procedure. It works by blocking pain signals in the brain, so you do not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. It belongs to a group of medications called general anesthetics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Forane, Terrell

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Family history of malignant hyperthermia
  • Heart disease
  • Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
  • Liver disease
  • Neuromuscular disease, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to isoflurane, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is inhaled. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Cisapride
  • Dronedarone
  • Ketoconazole
  • Levoketoconazole
  • Pimozide
  • Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Beta blockers, such as metoprolol or propranolol
  • MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
  • Opioids
  • Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes
  • St. John's wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • High fever, excessive sweating, fast or shallow breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness or spasms
  • High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Agitation, feeling irritable or restless
  • Chills or shivering
  • Cough
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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