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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
In Canada--
Sevoflurane (see-voe-FLOO-rane) belongs to the group of medicines known as general anesthetics ((an-ess-THET-iks) ). Sevoflurane is used to cause general anesthesia (loss of consciousness) before and during surgery. It is inhaled (breathed in). Although sevoflurane can be used by itself, combinations of anesthetics are often used together. This helps produce more effective anesthesia in some patients.
General anesthetics are given only by or under the immediate supervision of a doctor trained to use them. If you will be receiving a general anesthetic during your surgery, your anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will give you the medicine and closely follow your progress.
Sevoflurane is available in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For sevoflurane, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have or anyone in your family has ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to an anesthetic. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Sevoflurane has not been studied in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding--It is not known whether sevoflurane passes into breast milk. However, your doctor may want you to stop breast-feeding for about 24 hours after you receive the medicine.
Children--Sevoflurane has been tested in children. Sevoflurane may cause children to become agitated (excited) when it is used to start anesthesia when they are awake. Also, children receiving sevoflurane during surgery may become agitated as they awaken after surgery.
Older adults--Sevoflurane has been tested and does not cause different side effects in older people than in younger adults. However, older people usually need smaller amounts than younger people. Your doctor will consider your age in deciding on the right amount of sevoflurane for you.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving an inhalation anesthetic, it is especially important that your doctor know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine including any of the following:
Your doctor should be aware of any “street drugs” you are taking also.
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of sevoflurane. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Dosing--The dose of sevoflurane will be different for different patients. Your doctor will decide on the right amount for you, depending on:
For patients going home within 24 hours after receiving this medicine:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. While you are receiving and recovering from an inhalation anesthetic like sevoflurane, your health care professional will closely follow its effects. However, some effects may not be noticed until later.
The following side effects should go away as the effects of sevoflurane wear off. However, check with your doctor if any of them continue or are bothersome:
More common
Cough; dizziness; drowsiness; increased amount of saliva; nausea; shivering; vomiting
Less common
Headache
Other side effects may occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 12/11/98
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