Isoflurane

ATC Code N01AB06

Isoflurane

Definition

A fluorinated ether with general anesthetic and muscle relaxant activities. Although the exact mechanism of action has not been established, inhaled isoflurane, appears to act on the lipid matrix of the neuronal cell membrane, which results in disruption of neuronal transmission. This agent enhances the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby increasing the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter on synaptic transmission. Isoflurane may also both inhibit glutamatergic excitatory transmission by increasing glutamate re-uptake, and potentiate glycine receptor activity, which decreases motor function. In addition, isoflurane may alter certain pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 and -10 (IL-6, IL-10), possibly through the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB) pathway, which may affect immune responses during surgery.

Also known as 1-Chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl Difluoromethyl Ether, 2-Chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, Aerrane, Forane, Isoflo, ISOFLURANE — per NCIT

Also identified as

Indications

Disease Relation Source
Depressive disorder may treat MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work)
Status asthmaticus may treat MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work)

Organ Effects

Organ Side effect / interaction Source
Lungs may treat a disease of this organ DERIVED · CC BY 4.0
Respiratory system may treat a disease of this organ DERIVED · CC BY 4.0

2 entries above are marked DERIVED: Atlas Médico inferred them by combining two sourced claims, and no source asserts these links directly. Treat them as a navigation aid, not as a clinical statement.