Other Brands/Names

The trade names for this medicine include Desprane and Suprane.

How It Works

Desflurane is an inhalation anesthetic medicine that suppresses activity in the nervous system. The patient will inhale desflurane through the mouth to produce effects such as:

• Lowering the level of consciousness
• Removing pain perception temporarily
• Dampening muscle activity (body movement)
• Blunting patient reflexes

Indications

This medicine is used to induce and maintain general anesthesia for surgical procedures. Desflurane may be given to adults and children. A breathing tube (intubation) is used while this medicine is administered.

Contraindication

Medical conditions contraindicated for this medicine include:

• Malignant hyperthermia (a marked increase of body temperature)
• Having risk factors for myocardial infarction
• Moderate to severe hepatic disorders
• Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin)
• Leukocytosis or increased white blood cell levels or eosinophilia (decreased eosinophil counts) after prior exposure to desflurane
• Anesthesia is contraindicated in pediatric patients who are not intubated.

Side Effects

Side effects that may appear after inhaling this medicine include:

• Increased saliva production
• Redness of the eyes and eyelids
• Itchy skin
• Sleep problems or difficulty sleeping

Serious adverse effects that require medical attention can also occur, such as:

• Seizures
• Reduced urine output
• Loss of consciousness
• Decreased blood pressure
• Cardiac arrest

Types

This medicine is available as an inhalation solution, which the patient breathes in.

Dosage

The dosage of desflurane will vary according to the patient’s age and their clinical response to the medicine. It may be used with or without nitrous oxide (NO).

Safety

According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), this drug is categorized as category B for pregnant women. Animal studies have not demonstrated fetal risk associated with this medicine, but adequate studies for pregnant women are lacking. It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk; therefore, use caution if this drug is used in breastfeeding mothers.

Drug Interactions

• It may increase the effects and side effects of agents that depress neuromuscular and nerve activity, such as atracurium and pancuronium.
• Concomitant use with depolarizing muscle relaxants (suxamethonium) may raise the risk of increased blood potassium levels.

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