How Safe is Halothane?

Authors

Peter J. Cohen

Orginal Publication Date

1972

Journal Title

MCV/Q, Medical College of Virginia Quarterly

Volume

8

Issue

2

First Page

91

Last Page

93

Abstract

Halothane (2-bromo-2-chloro-1, 1, 1-trifluoro-ethane) is the most popular inhalation agent in today's anesthetic practice. Its desirable properties include high potency, nonflammabilty, patient acceptance, a low incidence of nausea and vomiting, ability to produce bronchodilation, and ease of maintenance. Prior to its introduction in 1956, it was subjected to an intense examination for both general and hepatic toxicity. Although these investigations disclosed no evidence of adverse effects, reports of liver dysfunction after halothane administration have appeared constantly in the literature. Thus, although the general safety of this drug continues to be excellent, the clinician is confronted with a dilemma each time he elects to use this agent. I hope to give some perspective to this question.

Rights

© VCU. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0 Acknowledgement of the Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries as a source is required.

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives