Methoxyflurane

Question 1

Methoxyflurane Class

Answer 1

Volatile anaesthetic agent

Question 2

Methoxyflurane Description

Answer 2

Clear, almost colourless, volatile liquid, with a characteristic fruity odour that becomes a vapour or gas when used with the single use inhaler

Question 3

Methoxyflurane Presentation

Answer 3

3ml vial with a tear off tamper evident seal

Question 4

Methoxyflurane Administration

Answer 4

Inhaled (Inh) through an acticated Carbon Chamber (Self administered)

Question 5

Methoxyflurane Indications

Answer 5

Moderate to severe pain

Question 6

Methoxyflurane Contra-indications

Answer 6

<5 years old
Altered LOC due to head injury, drugs or alcohol
Cardiovascular instability
Respiratory Depression
Renal Failure or Impairment
Ksar

Question 7

Methoxyflurane Dose

Answer 7

Adult & Paed: 3ml (Inh) (rpt x1 only)

Question 8

Methoxyflurane Pharmacology

Answer 8

Methoxyflurane vapour provides analgesia when inhaled at low concentrations.
Methoxyflurane preturbs membrane fluidity and alters the activity of many ion channels and receptors required for cell-cell signalling across gap junctions and which underlie the action potential

Question 9

Methoxyflurane Side Effects

Answer 9

Amnesia
Anxiety
Depression
Dizziness 
Dysarthria
Dysgeusia (Distortion of sense of taste)
Euphoria
Headache
Sensory Neuropathy
Somnolence
Hypotension
Coughing
Dry Mouth
Nausea
Feeling Drunk
Sweating

Uncommon:
Tingling or Numbness to hands and feet
tiredness
mouth discomfort

Question 10

Methoxyflurane Additional Info

Answer 10

Patients with pain due to ACS or migrane may not be suitable for Methoxyflurane.
Methoxyflurane crosses the placenta. Consider the risk of CNS depression in an already compromised foetus.
Contains Butylated Hydroxytoluene (E321) as a stabiliser.
Methoxyflurane has a mildly pungent odour.
If used in a confined space request the patient to inhale and exhale through the inhaler tube while ensuring that the activated Carbon Chamber is attached