Desflurane (Inhalation Route)

Brand Name:

Suprane

Desflurane is a general anesthetic used to cause general anesthesia before and during surgery in adults. This drug is also used as a maintenance anesthesia in adults and children after receiving other anesthetics before and during surgery. This drug is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a trained healthcare professional.

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. 

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Studies in children have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of inhaled desflurane after receiving other anesthetics. Caution should be given in children 6 years of age and younger are more likely to have unwanted side effects, such as coughing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing. 

Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of inhaled desflurane. Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have unwanted effects. Indications of harm to the fetus have not been reported in animal studies but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus. 

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits before taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. 

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other Cisatracurium, Hydromorphone, Nitrous Oxide, or St John's Wort. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. 

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as Asthma, Diseases that can cause muscle weakness, Heart or blood vessel disease, Hyperkalemia, Upper airway infection, Liver disease, or Malignant hyperthermia.

A trained healthcare professional will be the one to give you this drug in a hospital. This drug is given via a vaporizer and inhaled in through your mouth. Your healthcare professional will give you some drug before receiving SupraneВ®.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood and urine tests. Inform your healthcare professional if you have symptoms of hyperkalemia such as confusion, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or legs, or trouble breathing after receiving this drug. 

Inform the healthcare professional in charge that you are taking this drug before having any medical tests since the results of some tests may be affected by this drug. This drug may cause drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness for a brief period. 

Problems with coordination and one's ability to think can also happen. It is not recommended to drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert within 24 hours after receiving this drug. 

Drinking alcoholic beverages or taking other CNS depressants such as antihistamines or drug for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, other sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping drug, prescription pain drug or narcotics, drug for seizures or barbiturates, and muscle relaxants is also not recommended for about 24 hours after you have received this drug to prevent any additional effects of this drug. 

Check with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as: 

• bluish lips or skin
• body aches or pain
• congestion
• cough
• dryness or soreness of the throat
• fever
• hoarseness
• not breathing
• runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing
• trouble swallowing
• voice changes
• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• dizziness
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• lightheadedness
• dizziness, or fainting
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• unusual tiredness
• dark urine
• difficulty with moving
• feeling of warmth or heat
• flushing or redness of the skin
• especially on the face and neck
• general tiredness and weakness
• joint pain
• light-colored stools
• muscle aching or cramping
• muscle pains or stiffness
• nausea and vomiting
• noisy breathing
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• sweating
• swollen joints
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• yellow eyes and skin
• abdominal or stomach pain
• confusion
• convulsions
• decreased urine
• dry mouth
• increased thirst
• loss of appetite
• no blood pressure or pulse
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• stopping of heart
• unconsciousness
• weakness or heaviness of the legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.