/reference/drugs/inhalation-agents

Inhalation Agents

Sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane, nitrous oxide

Sevoflurane

Halogenated methyl isopropyl ether — volatile general anesthetic

Multi-site CNS depression: GABA-A potentiation, glycine receptor potentiation, NMDA + nicotinic ACh inhibition, two-pore K⁺ channel activation. Net: dose-dependent unconsciousness, amnesia, immobility, and analgesia (modest).

Desflurane

Suprane

Fully fluorinated halogenated methyl ethyl ether — volatile general anesthetic

Same multi-site mechanism as sevoflurane: GABA-A + glycine potentiation, NMDA + nicotinic ACh inhibition, K⁺ channel activation.

Isoflurane

Forane

Halogenated methyl ethyl ether — volatile anesthetic

Volatile anesthetic. Multiple sites: potentiates GABA-A, antagonizes NMDA, activates two-pore-domain K⁺ channels, modulates glycine. Lower potency than sevoflurane but produces deeper unconsciousness per MAC. Pungent — not used for inhalation induction.

Education only — not a substitute for current package inserts or clinical judgment. Always confirm doses.