Last reviewed · How we verify
Isoflurane, Sevoflurane or Desflurane
These volatile anesthetics enhance inhibitory GABA receptor signaling and inhibit excitatory NMDA receptor function to produce general anesthesia.
These volatile anesthetics enhance inhibitory GABA receptor signaling and inhibit excitatory NMDA receptor function to produce general anesthesia. Used for General anesthesia for surgical procedures, Maintenance of anesthesia during surgery.
At a glance
| Generic name | Isoflurane, Sevoflurane or Desflurane |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | King's College Hospital NHS Trust |
| Drug class | Volatile anesthetic |
| Target | GABA-A receptor, NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesiology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane are halogenated volatile anesthetics that work primarily by potentiating GABAergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system, thereby increasing inhibitory signaling. They also antagonize NMDA glutamate receptors, reducing excitatory neurotransmission. Together, these mechanisms produce rapid onset of unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation suitable for surgical anesthesia.
Approved indications
- General anesthesia for surgical procedures
- Maintenance of anesthesia during surgery
Common side effects
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Emergence delirium
- Hepatotoxicity (isoflurane)
- Nephrotoxicity (sevoflurane)
- Hypotension
- Respiratory depression
Key clinical trials
- General Anesthetics in CAncer REsection Surgery (GA-CARES) Trial (PHASE4)
- Interaction of Volatile Anesthetics With Magnesium (PHASE4)
- Anesthesia and Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Recurrence (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of Bispectral Index (BIS™) and Levels of Sedation With Common Inhalational Anesthetics in Healthy Volunteers (OLIVER) (NA)
- Volatile Anaesthesia and Perioperative Outcomes Related to Cancer Feasibility Study (PHASE4)
- Comparison Between Propofol and Inhalational Anaesthetic Agents on Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Cardiac Surgery (PHASE4)
- Decision Support for Intraoperative Low Blood Pressure (NA)
- Real-time Decision Support for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Prophylaxis (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
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