Drugs & Vitamins

Halothane Active Ingredients: Halothane What is halothane inhalation liquid? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with halothane? What side effects may I notice from using halothane? What should I watch for while taking halothane? Where can I keep my medicine? What is halothane inhalation liquid? (Back to top) HALOTHANE (Fluothane®) is used for general anesthesia during surgery and cesarean section. In addition to controlling pain and making you unconscious, general anesthesia control the body's reaction to stress and relieves fear and anxiety associated with surgery. You may receive more than one kind of anesthesia during your surgery or procedure. General anesthesia is commonly used for extensive and long surgeries, but also can be used in shorter and limited procedures. Generic halothane liquid is available. NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •irregular heartbeat •history of malignant hyperthermia •liver disease •myasthenia gravis •pheochromocytoma •previous exposure to halothane anesthesia •an unusual or allergic reaction to halothane, or other anesthetics •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Halothane is given through inhalation (breathing the gas into the lungs) by trained anesthesia professionals in a controlled environment like an operating room before and during surgery or procedures. Since there is no one ideal general anesthetic, a combination of drugs that are either injected or inhaled are typically used. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with halothane? (Back to top) •alcohol •cisapride •doxapram •herbal products, including St. John's wort •isoniazid, INH •levodopa •medicines for colds, breathing difficulties, or weight loss •medicines for irregular heart beat, especially amiodarone •medicines for high blood pressure, including beta-blockers •medicines for seizures •medicines for mental depression and other mental illnesses •medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis •pimozide •rifampin •theophylline •warfarin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from using halothane? (Back to top) During your surgery or procedure the anesthesiologist will closely monitory all your body systems and treat any serious side effects. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •hallucinations •high body temperature •irregular heartbeat •lightheadedness or fainting spells •slow or difficult breathing •yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •drowsiness •headache •nausea, vomiting •shivering •trembling What should I watch for while taking halothane? (Back to top) You will be closely monitored following anesthesia with halothane. Halothane can affect your ability to drive or do anything that needs mental alertness for about 24 hours after anesthesia. Do not attempt to drive yourself home if you have received halothane for minor outpatient surgery. You may feel dizzy and lightheaded. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit up or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy, avoid alcoholic drinks for at least 24 hours after you receive halothane. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) You will only receive this medicine before surgery or other procedures. Last Updated:08/02/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.