Continuing Education Activity

Isoflurane is a volatile, halogenated ether anesthetic approved by the FDA for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Structurally related to enflurane, isoflurane has been administered clinically since 1979 and is noted for being nonflammable. Due to a strong, pungent odor, isoflurane is not commonly used for inhalational induction. This activity focuses on the clinical application of isoflurane, including indications, methods of administration, and contraindications relevant to anesthetic practice.

Key pharmacological properties are reviewed, including mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, adverse reactions, and clinical toxicology. Emphasis is placed on intraoperative monitoring strategies and potential complications associated with isoflurane use. This activity supports healthcare professionals who administer anesthesia by reinforcing evidence-based practices in volatile anesthetic management. The role of the interprofessional team is addressed to optimize safety and outcomes during anesthesia involving isoflurane.

Objectives:

• Evaluate the mechanism of action of isoflurane.
• Assess the importance of minimum alveolar concentration when administering isoflurane for anesthesia.
• Screen patients for contraindications for isoflurane administration.
• Implement effective collaboration and communication among interprofessional team members to improve outcomes and treatment efficacy for patients who might benefit from isoflurane therapy.

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Indications

FDA-Approved Indications

Isoflurane is a volatile anesthetic approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Like most volatile anesthetics, isoflurane is a halogenated ether compound that is a structural isomer to its predecessor, enflurane, and has been approved for use in the United States since 1979.[1] Unlike enflurane, isoflurane is a nonflammable volatile anesthetic with a strong, pungent odor that makes it difficult to use for inhalational induction of general anesthesia.

Off-Label Uses

Inhaled anesthetics offer advantages over intravenous agents in critically ill patients, including shorter awakening and extubation times and reduced ICU length of stay. Isoflurane may be a safe and effective sedation option in the ICU, but further research is needed.[2][3][4]

Mechanism of Action

Inducing and maintaining general anesthesia is achieved at various action sites in the human body. The most commonly affected sites involve inhibiting neurotransmitter-gated ion channels such as GABA, glycine, and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the central nervous system (CNS).[5] Inhibition of these receptors helps produce the amnesia and sedation needed for adequate surgical conditions. Volatile anesthetics also act at various sites within the spinal cord and contribute to skeletal muscle relaxation by inhibiting NMDA-type glutamate and glycine receptors.[6]

Other sites of action have organ system-specific effects. Regarding cardiac function, isoflurane has minimal impact on left ventricular function but does cause a dose-dependent decrease in systemic vascular resistance due to mild β-adrenergic stimulation. This leads to reduced cardiac preload and, in turn, a reduction in cardiac output, but a rise in heart rate mitigates the decrease in cardiac output. In addition to decreasing systemic vascular resistance, it also causes coronary dilation. This could theoretically lead to a coronary steal phenomenon, diverting blood away from a fixed stenotic lesion. This has largely been overshadowed by isoflurane's cardioprotective effect, which occurs through ischemic preconditioning.[7] This helps reduce the degree of ischemia and reperfusion injury to the heart.

Isoflurane also affects the respiratory system by causing a significant reduction in tidal volume with a minimal increase in respiratory rate, leading to an overall decrease in minute ventilation. This reduction leads to an increased PaCO₂.

At concentrations greater than 1 MAC, isoflurane increases cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure. Although blood flow is increased, the cerebral metabolic rate is decreased, and concentrations of 2 MAC can produce an electrically silent electroencephalogram.

Isoflurane also produces a dose-dependent decrease in renal and hepatic blood flow with no clinical effect on renal or hepatic function.[8]

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Isoflurane has a blood–gas partition coefficient of 1.4 and a minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of approximately 1.2%.

Metabolism: Isoflurane is metabolized in the liver by CYP2E1 to trifluoroacetylated metabolites. They are capable of causing hepatotoxicity.

Elimination: Isoflurane is almost entirely eliminated via exhalation.[9][10][11]

Administration

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

Isoflurane is available as 100 and 250 mL inhalation solutions.

The administration of volatile anesthetics, including isoflurane, is based on each agent's minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), which is used as a surrogate to measure the partial pressure of each agent. MAC is the alveolar concentration needed to prevent movement in 50% of patients in response to surgical incision and is based on the agent's partial pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure. At sea level, the MAC of isoflurane is 1.2%, which can otherwise be stated as 1 MAC of isoflurane.

MAC is affected by several factors. Factors that increase MAC include young age, chronic alcohol abuse, and hypernatremia. Factors that decrease MAC include old age, hypothermia and hyperthermia, acute intoxication, and most intravenous anesthetics, including opioids, benzodiazepines, dexmedetomidine, and ketamine. The most impressive of all these factors is the effect of age, which causes a 6% decrease in MAC per decade of age above the age of 40.[12]

Isoflurane is administered via a specifically designed variable bypass vaporizer, which has been calibrated to deliver a set percentage of gas based on the individual volatile's vapor pressure over a broad range of flow rates and temperatures. Vapor pressure is the pressure a vapor exerts in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed phase, the liquid phase, at a given temperature in a closed system. Vapor pressure is also the pressure at which a liquid will boil. Isoflurane has a vapor pressure of 240 mm Hg at a standard atmospheric pressure of 760 mm Hg, so its resting state is liquid. If the atmospheric pressure were decreased to 240 mm Hg, the resting state of isoflurane would be as a gas. This is important to recognize because each vaporizer is calibrated to a specific volatile anesthetic, and filling a vaporizer with a different volatile anesthetic will result in inappropriate delivery. Isoflurane has a vapor pressure similar to halothane (243 mm Hg). This means that if halothane were placed in the isoflurane vaporizer or vice versa, the difference in the amount delivered would be minimal.[13]

Dosage

• Induction: Isoflurane at concentrations of 1.5% to 3% typically induces surgical anesthesia within 7 to 10 minutes. Isoflurane is combined with oxygen or a mixture of N₂O and oxygen.
• Maintenance: Surgical anesthesia can be sustained with 1% to 2.5% nitrous oxide. An extra 0.5% to 1% is needed with isoflurane in oxygen alone.

Specific Patient Populations

Hepatic impairment: Isoflurane can cause hepatotoxicity. Use with caution in hepatic dysfunction.[10]

Renal impairment: The product labeling does not provide any information about use in cases of renal impairment.

Pregnancy considerations: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends maintaining low levels of inhaled volatile agents, like sevoflurane or isoflurane, during obstetric anesthesia. A lower concentration is preferred due to isoflurane's effect on uterine tone.[14] Concerns grow about inhaled anesthetics like isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane affecting the developing brain. Studies indicate potential neurocognitive impairments in neonates and fetuses. The FDA warning includes risks to brain development in children exposed to these agents, especially during procedures >3 hours or with multiple exposures.[15] According to product labeling, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women exist. In animal reproduction studies, embryofetal toxicity was observed in pregnant mice exposed to 0.075% and 0.3% isoflurane during organogenesis.

Breastfeeding considerations: There is minimal data on isoflurane use during breastfeeding. Because the serum half-life of isoflurane in the mother is short and the infant is not expected to absorb the drug, there is no need for a waiting period or to discard milk. Mothers can resume breastfeeding after recovering from general anesthesia. When multiple anesthetic agents are used during a procedure, follow the guidelines for the medication that poses the maximum risk.[16] Inform patients about the risks and benefits associated with isoflurane.

Pediatric patients: A meta-analysis of 8 studies found that isoflurane significantly reduced emergence agitation in children compared to sevoflurane. No significant differences were found in time to extubation, awakening time, or PACU duration. For children at high risk of emergence agitation, isoflurane should be considered over sevoflurane for maintenance anesthesia.[17] Neonates have a higher metabolic rate and minute alveolar ventilation, leading to increased uptake of volatile anesthetics compared to older patients. The dosage of inhaled anesthetics also depends on the infant's age and level of prematurity.[18]

Older patients: The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane decreases with age, so the dose should be adjusted accordingly.

Adverse Effects

Isoflurane should be carefully titrated to the patient’s hemodynamics as it can cause precipitous drops in blood pressure due to dose-dependent peripheral vasodilation. Hypovolemic patients may be susceptible to these effects. The most severe reported adverse reactions include agitation, breath-holding, arrhythmia, hepatotoxicity, and laryngospasm.[19]

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Calcium channel blockers: Isoflurane can cause hypotension if combined with calcium channel blockers.

• Beta-blockers: When used with β-blockers, isoflurane may exacerbate cardiovascular effects such as hypotension and negative inotropic effects.

• MAO inhibitors: Combining MAO inhibitors with inhalational anesthetics may increase the risk of hemodynamic instability.

• Epinephrine: Isoflurane sensitizes the myocardium to the arrhythmogenic effects of epinephrine. High doses of adrenaline can cause ventricular arrhythmias.[20]

Contraindications

All halogenated volatile anesthetics, including isoflurane, are known triggers of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible patients. Any patient with a known or suspected personal or family history of malignant hyperthermia should be considered to be at increased risk of developing malignant hyperthermia.[21] Appropriate precautions should include flushing out the anesthesia machine per manufacturer recommendations and using a total intravenous anesthetic to induce and maintain general anesthesia. Isoflurane is contraindicated in severe hepatic dysfunction and individuals with known sensitivity to isoflurane or other halogenated agents.

Warning and Precautions

• Malignant hyperthermia: Isoflurane can trigger malignant hyperthermia in susceptible individuals. The risk increases when combined with succinylcholine and potentially fatal outcomes. Mutations in the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) or dihydropyridine receptor (CACNA1S) can increase susceptibility. Early diagnosis and treatment with dantrolene are necessary.

• Perioperative hyperkalemia: Isoflurane, especially when combined with succinylcholine, can cause hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias in pediatric patients with neuromuscular disorders.

• Hepatic reactions: Isoflurane can cause mild to severe hepatic dysfunction or hepatitis, including fatal necrosis, particularly in patients with prior exposure to halogenated anesthetics or pre-existing liver conditions. Caution is advised for these patients.

• QT prolongation: Isoflurane can cause QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Risk is higher in patients with congenital long QT syndrome or those on QT-prolonging medications.[22][23]

• Interactions with desiccated carbon dioxide absorbents: Isoflurane can react with desiccated CO₂ absorbents to produce carbon monoxide, elevating carboxyhemoglobin levels. To prevent this risk, absorbents should be replaced if desiccated.

• Pediatric neurotoxicity: If used for long periods, isoflurane may increase neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain and cause long-term cognitive deficits in children, especially during critical developmental windows in early life.

• Occupational exposure: Exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) in hospitals risks healthcare workers' health. Combining environmental and biomonitoring with effective risk management, like improved scavenging and training, is crucial for worker protection compliance.[24][25] The American Society of Anesthesiology recognizes that inhaled anesthetics are potent greenhouse gases and advocates for waste anesthetic gas management. https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/governance-and-committees/asa-committees/environmental-sustainability/greening-the-operating-room/inhaled-anesthetics

Monitoring

Compared to other volatile anesthetics, there are no specific monitoring parameters for those undergoing general anesthesia with isoflurane. All patients undergoing general anesthesia should have all basic monitoring devices listed below placed before the induction of general anesthesia.[26] https://www.asahq.org/standards-and-practice-parameters/standards-for-basic-anesthetic-monitoring[26]

• Continuous pulse oximetry
• Non-invasive blood pressure monitoring
• Continuous electrocardiography
• Inspired and expired oxygen, carbon dioxide, and volatile anesthetic monitoring
• Airway pressure
• Peripheral nerve stimulation (if neuromuscular blocking drugs are administered)
• Body temperature
• End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂)

Toxicity

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

Isoflurane is metabolized to trifluoroacetic acid, which increases concern for renal impairment.[27] However, it has been shown that fluoride fluid levels may rise as much as 50 μmol/L without evidence of postoperative renal dysfunction. There has also been increased concern for neurotoxicity, especially in the developing brain. These effects have been seen in animal models, where it has been demonstrated that both intravenous and inhalational anesthesia promote neuronal apoptosis.[28] Animal studies have also found some evidence of learning deficiencies and behavioral changes after undergoing anesthesia with intravenous or inhalational agents. Extrapolating these effects from animals to humans is difficult due to the different biological systems and the higher doses that animal species need to produce the same anesthetic effect in human subjects. This has led to further investigations into the known neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of volatile anesthetics.[29] Overdosage of isoflurane can result in cardiac and respiratory depression. Hypoxia and hypercarbia may also be noted.

Management of Overdose

Isoflurane administration should be ceased immediately for patients who are experiencing an overdose. Ensure a patent airway and provide ventilation with oxygen. Continuously monitor cardiovascular function and manage any signs of poor end-organ perfusion as clinically necessary.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Isoflurane should only be administered by qualified health professionals trained to manage a patient under general anesthesia. Communication between the surgeon and the anesthesia provider is essential to time the appropriate emergence of the patient from general anesthesia. This is due to isoflurane's increased blood solubility coefficient, which leads to increased times for both the induction of and emergence from general anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor vital signs, while hospital pharmacists ensure the safe preparation, dosing, and management of anesthetic and other medications used during surgery. Internal medicine conducts preoperative evaluations using tools like the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI).[30] Emergency medicine professionals respond to overdoses by quickly stabilizing the patient. Interprofessional teamwork is a large part of patient safety in the operating room, and good communication will improve operating room efficiency and help increase patient safety.[31]

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Writing Committee Members. Thompson A, Fleischmann KE, Smilowitz NR, de Las Fuentes L, Mukherjee D, Aggarwal NR, Ahmad FS, Allen RB, Altin SE, Auerbach A, Berger JS, Chow B, Dakik HA, Eisenstein EL, Gerhard-Herman M, Ghadimi K, Kachulis B, Leclerc J, Lee CS, Macaulay TE, Mates G, Merli GJ, Parwani P, Poole JE, Rich MW, Ruetzler K, Stain SC, Sweitzer B, Talbot AW, Vallabhajosyula S, Whittle J, Williams KA. 2024 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM Guideline for Perioperative Cardiovascular Management for Noncardiac Surgery: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024 Nov 05;84(19):1869-1969. [PubMed: 39320289]

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Disclosure: Tyson Hawkley declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Preeti Patel declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Christopher Maani declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.