Desflurane (By breathing)
Desflurane (des-FLOO-rane)
Used before surgery to make you fall asleep. This medicine is a type of anesthesia.
Brand Name(s):
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to desflurane or similar types of inhaled anesthesia, or if you have hereditary problems (including high risk for malignant hyperthermia) or a history of liver problems caused by desflurane or similar medicines.How to Use This Medicine:
Liquid
- You will receive this medicine before and during your surgery. You will inhale the medicine through a mask placed over your mouth and nose.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Some medicines can affect how desflurane works. Tell your doctor if you are using benzodiazepines or narcotic pain relievers.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart or blood vessel disease, kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems, a neuromuscular disease, or a history of seizures or head injury. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had any problems with anesthesia.
- This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Malignant hyperthermia (high body temperature)
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood)
- Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation
- Liver problems
- This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or confused for several hours. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until the effects of the medicine have worn off.
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Confusion, weakness, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
- Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
- Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
- Fever, chills, cough, muscle stiffness, blue lips or fingernails
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 9/6/2024
