Anaes Vivas · Volatile & inhalational agents
Halothane pharmacology
Viva on the comparative pharmacology of halothane and the reasons it was superseded.
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Prompt
A data table comparing the blood-gas partition coefficients, MAC values and pungency of halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane.
Stimulus
The candidate is shown a data table comparing halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane:
| Agent | Blood-gas coeff | MAC in O2 (per cent) | Oil-gas coeff | Pungency | Boiling point (C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halothane | 2.4 | 0.75 | 224 | Low (pleasant) | 50 |
| Isoflurane | 1.4 | 1.2 | 98 | Moderate | 49 |
| Sevoflurane | 0.65 | 2.0 | 50 | Low (sweet) | 59 |
| Desflurane | 0.42 | 6.0 | 19 | High (very pungent) | 23 |
From the table: identify halothane and explain why this agent is no longer in clinical use.
References5ShowHide
- [1]Gyorfi MJ, et al. Halothane Toxicity StatPearls, 2023.PMID 31424865
- [3]Eliasson E, et al. Cytochrome P450 2E1 is a cell surface autoantigen in halothane hepatitis Mol Pharmacol, 1996.PMID 8794896
- [4]Rüffert H, Gillies R, Hopkins PM, et al. European Malignant Hyperthermia Group 2025 guidelines for the investigation of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility Br J Anaesth, 2026.PMID 41478797
- [7]Talbot A, et al. Greenhouse gas impact from medical emissions of halogenated anaesthetic agents: a sales-based estimate Lancet Planet Health, 2025.PMID 40120629
- [9]Neuberger JM Halothane and hepatitis. Incidence, predisposing factors and exposure guidelines Drug Saf, 1990.PMID 2178633