Sevoflurane

Major Uses

Sevoflurane is a general inhalation anesthetic drug used to induce and maintain general anesthesia in dogs. This drug is beneficial when a rapid induction and rapid recovery are desired. Sevoflurane is a very strong respiratory depressant that requires careful monitoring during use.

Common Precautions

Side effects seen during maintenance anesthesia with sevoflurane include hypotension followed by tachypnea, apnea, emesis, muscle tenseness, muscle fasciculations, and excitation. Less common adverse effects include retching, salivation, excessive cardiopulmonary depression, paddling, cyanosis, and premature ventricular contractions.

Animals using sevoflurane should be continuously monitored for respiratory depression and other complications. Temporary elevations in liver function tests may occur during use. Temporary elevations in white blood cell counts are also possible.

Sevoflurane should not be used in animals with a history of malignant hyperthermia. Caution is needed when using in animals with a head injury. It is not known if the drug is safe for use in debilitated, geriatric, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Sevoflurane should be used with caution in these groups. The safety of the drug has not been established in dogs less than 12 weeks of age or in those suffering from liver, kidney, or heart problems.

Sevoflurane is known to interact with certain other drugs and supplements, including aminoglycosides, lincosamides, barbiturates, isoniazid, midazolam, opiates, St. John's wort, succinylcholine, sympathomimetics, tramadol, verapamil, and others.

Sevoflurane should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Any known or suspected overdose should be reported to a veterinarian right away.

Storage

Sevoflurane should be stored in its original packaging, out of the reach of children and animals, and at room temperature.

Administration

Sevoflurane is supplied as a liquid for use as an inhalation anesthetic. Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

If a dose of sevoflurane is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the normal schedule resumed. Two doses of this medication should not be given at once.