Table of Contents
What is Halothane?
Halothane – Structure: Halothane is a general anesthetic agent that is used to produce anesthesia. It is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that is soluble in water. Halothane is administered by inhalation. It depresses the central nervous system and produces a state of unconsciousness.
Halothane Structure
Halothane is a haloalkane with the chemical formula C2HBrClF. It is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that is slightly soluble in water. Halothane is used as a general anesthetic in medical procedures. It works by depressing the central nervous system, which causes a person to lose consciousness.
Halothane Mechanism of Action
Halothane alters the permeability of the lipid bilayer of the nerve cell membrane, thereby altering the membrane potential. This leads to a decrease in the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, from the nerve terminal. Additionally, halothane blocks the voltage-gated Na+ channels, which leads to a decrease in the influx of Na+ ions into the nerve cell. This also contributes to the decrease in the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.
How is the Administration of Halothane Done?
When an anesthesiologist wants to administer halothane, they will first need to set up an intravenous (IV) line. Once the line is in place, they will then inject a small amount of the anesthetic into the IV. This will allow them to monitor the patient’s reaction to the anesthetic and make any necessary adjustments. Once the patient is stable, the anesthesiologist will then give the patient the remainder of the halothane through the IV.
Role of Halothane as an Anesthesia Agent
Halothane is a potent general anesthetic agent that is used to produce anesthesia. It acts by depressing the central nervous system, which leads to a decrease in the activity of the brain and spinal cord. This results in a reduction in the ability to feel pain, as well as a loss of consciousness. Halothane administered by inhalation and is very effective in providing anesthesia for short surgical procedures. It also used for longer procedures, but may cause some side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
Action of Halothane on Respiratory Route
Halothane is a general anaesthetic agent that depresses the central nervous system and produces anaesthesia. It is a volatile liquid that is administered by inhalation. Halothane is a non-competitive inhibitor of the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase in the respiratory chain, which results in a decrease in the rate of respiration. In addition, halothane decreases the release of carbon dioxide from the tissues, which further reduces the respiratory rate.
Duration of Halothane Action
The half-life of halothane about 2.5 hours. This means that the concentration of halothane in the blood will reduced by half every 2.5 hours
Uses for Halothane
- halothane is a general anesthetic that used to produce anesthesia in humans and animals.
- It also used to relieve pain and to relax muscles.
- Halothane used as a general anesthetic.
Recovery from Halothane
Anesthesia in Rats
- A rat anesthetized with halothane.
- After a predetermined time, the rat recovered from anesthesia.
- The rat’s ability to move and also respond to stimuli assessed.
- The rat’s breathing and heart rate monitored.
Properties of Halothane
- Halothane is a colorless, non-flammable, and nonexplosive gas with a slightly sweet odor.
- It is soluble in water and ether.
- halothane is a colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor.
- It is very soluble in water and ether and slightly soluble in alcohol. halothane is a nonflammable, also nonexplosive agent.
Hepatotoxicity of Halothane
The hepatotoxicity of halothane is a result of the induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. These enzymes can also produce toxic metabolites from halothane that can damage the liver.
Mechanism of Oxidative Degradation of Halothane and Protein Modification
Halothane undergoes oxidative degradation to yield carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrogen fluoride. The nitrogen oxide and hydrogen fluoride can react with water to form nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid, respectively. These acidic compounds can then attack the protein in the anesthesia machine and cause it to degrade.
Involvement of the Trifluoroacetyl Chloride Metabolite of Trichlorfon in the Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase. Therefore the trifluoroacetyl chloride metabolite of trichlorfon is a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase.
Role of Halothane
Halothane a general anesthetic that used to put people to sleep for surgery. It works by depressing the central nervous system.
Synthesis of Halothane
Halothane synthesized by the reaction of ethylene oxide with sulfuric acid:
2CH2=CH2 + H2SO4 → 2CH2ClCH2SO4
The product is purified by distillation.
Side Effects of Halothane
The most common side effects of halothane are nausea, vomiting, and also feeling of warmth.
