Methoxyflurane

Question 1

Presentation

Answer 1

3ml glass bottle

Question 2

Pharmacology

Answer 2

Inhalational analgesic agent at low concentrations

Question 3

Metabolism

Answer 3

Excreted mainly by the lungs. By the liver

Question 4

Primary emergency indications

Answer 4

1. pain relief

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

1. pre-existing renal disease (previously diagnosed renal impairment or failure, kidney stones and/or renal colic are not contraindications)
2. Known or genetic susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

1. the inhaler must be hand-held by the patients so that if unconsciousness occurs it will fall from the patient’s face.
2. pre-eclampsia
3. concurrent use with oxytocin may cause hypotension

Question 7

Route of administration

Answer 7

Self-administration under supervision using penthrox inhaler

Question 8

Side effects

Answer 8

• drowsiness
• decrease in BP and bradycardia (rare)
• exceeding the maximum total dose of 6ml in a 24hr period may lead to renal toxicity