Sevoflurane
About Sevoflurane
Sevoflurane is an inhalation general anesthetic used to start and maintain deep sleep during surgical procedures. It helps ensure that you remain completely unconscious, relaxed, and free of pain while undergoing a medical operation. This medicine is commonly used for both adults and children in hospital environments.
Because this medication is used strictly for surgical procedures, it is not something you take on a regular daily schedule at home. It is inhaled through a breathing mask or a special tube during your surgery, administered by a trained anesthesia specialist. Before receiving this medicine, patients are typically required to fast, meaning you must not eat or drink for several hours before your surgery to ensure your safety.
After waking up, some people may experience common side effects like shivering, nausea, vomiting, or a cough. If you experience severe symptoms like an extremely high fever, muscle stiffness, or yellowing of your skin or eyes after surgery, tell your healthcare team immediately, as these can be signs of rare but serious complications.
Do not take this if you or anyone in your family has ever had a severe, life-threatening reaction to anesthesia called malignant hyperthermia. You should also tell your doctor if you have liver problems, kidney disease, or a heart condition before undergoing anesthesia.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, as certain heart and blood pressure drugs can interact with Sevoflurane. It is also important to tell your medical team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if the patient is an older adult, so they can take extra precautions during your care.
Uses of Sevoflurane
Medicinal Benefits
Sevoflurane offers several clinical benefits that help make your surgical experience safer and more comfortable:
- Rapid onset of sleep: It works quickly when inhaled, allowing you to drift into a deep sleep without delay or feelings of anxiety.
- Smooth and easy recovery: The medicine clears out of your body rapidly once the inhalation is stopped, allowing you to wake up faster with less lingering grogginess.
- Gentle on the airways: It has a pleasant, non-irritating sweet smell, which makes it much easier to inhale through a mask. This is especially helpful for children who may feel nervous about needles or strong chemical smells.
- Precise control: Your anesthesia team can easily adjust the amount of medicine you breathe in, ensuring you stay at the exact level of sleep required for your safety.
Directions for Use
- Sevoflurane will be administered by a trained anesthesiologist.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Sevoflurane
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shivering or feeling cold
- Coughing or throat irritation
- Increased saliva production
- Drowsiness or mild confusion
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Dangerously high body temperature accompanied by severe muscle stiffness (signs of malignant hyperthermia)
- Extremely slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or a slow or irregular heartbeat
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain (signs of liver damage)
- A severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or a severe skin rash
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Anesthesia Reaction History: Always tell your surgical team if you or a family member has ever had a dangerous reaction to anesthesia, particularly high fevers or liver damage.
- Post-Anesthesia Activity Restriction: Do not drive, cook, or operate any machinery for at least 24 hours after waking up from Sevoflurane, as your coordination and reflexes will be slow.
- Medication Disclosure Before Surgery: Provide your complete list of medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter drugs, to your anesthesiologist before your scheduled surgery.
- Common Post-Anesthesia Effects: Expect to feel groggy, cold, or slightly nauseous immediately after waking up; your healthcare team will monitor you and provide medication to help you feel better.
- Avoid Important Decisions Post-Surgery: Avoid signing legal documents or making major life decisions on the day of your surgery, as your judgment may be temporarily clouded.
Drug Interactions
- Blood pressure medications (like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers): May cause your blood pressure or heart rate to drop too low when combined with Sevoflurane.
- Epinephrine or decongestants: May increase the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms during surgery.
- Opioids and sedatives (like benzodiazepines): May increase the depth of sleep and slow your breathing, requiring the anesthesia team to carefully adjust the dosage.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Sevoflurane.
Pregnancy
cautionSevoflurane should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed, and the benefits outweigh the risks. So, inform your doctor before receiving Sevoflurane if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionBreastfeeding should be discontinued for 48 hours following Sevoflurane treatment, and any milk produced during this time should be discarded.
Driving
unsafePatients should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after receiving Sevoflurane.
Liver
cautionCaution should be exercised while using Sevoflurane in patients with liver impairment. So, inform your doctor before receiving Sevoflurane if you have a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionCaution should be exercised while using Sevoflurane in patients with Kidney impairment. So, inform your doctor before receiving Sevoflurane if you have a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
safe if prescribedYour doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow fasting rules strictly: Do not eat or drink anything (including water, chewing gum, or mints) for the specified hours before your surgery to prevent dangerous complications while asleep.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: Refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours before your procedure, as they can affect how your heart and lungs respond to anesthesia.
- Arrange a safe ride home: Make sure a responsible adult is available to drive you home after your surgery, as you will still feel sleepy and your coordination will be temporarily impaired.
- Plan for rest: Keep your schedule clear of strenuous activities, major decisions, or operating machinery for at least 24 hours post-surgery to allow the medicine to fully clear from your system.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anesthesia: Anesthesia is a medical procedure that relieves discomfort during procedures such as surgery, some screening and diagnostic tests, tissue sample removal (e.g., skin biopsies), and dental treatments. It enables people to receive operations that allow them to live better and longer lives.
FAQs
Sevoflurane is an inhalation general anaesthetic used to induce and maintain general anaesthesia during surgical procedures. It helps make you unconscious and prevents you from feeling pain during surgery. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your upcoming surgery.
Sevoflurane contains Sevoflurane, which is an inhaled general anaesthetic. It acts on the brain and causes unconsciousness.
Sevoflurane may affect your heart rhythm. Disturbances of the heart rhythm are very common. Your anaesthetist will quickly deal with any problems that arise during your operation.
Caution should be exercised when administering general anaesthesia, including sevoflurane, to patients with mitochondrial disorders. Tell your doctor and anaesthetist about any medical conditions you have before receiving Sevoflurane, so they can determine the most appropriate anaesthetic for you.
Yes, it is widely used in pediatric surgeries because it has a non-irritating smell and allows children to drift off smoothly without requiring an initial needle stick. Talk to your doctor to learn more about pediatric anesthesia safety.
No, you must not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after receiving Sevoflurane, as it takes time for your reflexes and coordination to fully return to normal. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about post-operative care.
The most common side effects are shivering, nausea, vomiting, coughing, and drowsiness. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms persist or become uncomfortable.
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, life-threatening genetic reaction to certain anesthetics that causes a rapid spike in body temperature and muscle rigidity. If you have a family history of this condition, you must tell your medical team so they can use alternative medications. Talk to your doctor for more safety details.
Yes, you must follow strict fasting instructions (no food or drinks) before your surgery to prevent inhalation of stomach contents into your lungs while under anesthesia. Talk to your doctor for specific pre-surgery instructions.
Most of the medicine is quickly exhaled out through your lungs once the vaporiser is turned off, which is why patients wake up relatively fast. Talk to your doctor if you want to know more about what to expect after waking up.
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