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Volatile anesthetic
Volatile anesthetics depress central nervous system activity by enhancing inhibitory GABA receptor signaling and inhibiting excitatory NMDA receptor function, producing unconsciousness and anesthesia.
Volatile anesthetics depress central nervous system activity by enhancing inhibitory GABA receptor signaling and inhibiting excitatory NMDA receptor function, producing unconsciousness and anesthesia. Used for General anesthesia for surgical procedures, Maintenance of anesthesia during surgery.
At a glance
| Generic name | Volatile anesthetic |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's |
| Drug class | Volatile anesthetic |
| Target | GABA-A receptor, NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesiology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Volatile anesthetics are lipophilic agents that dissolve in neuronal cell membranes and modulate ion channel activity. They potentiate GABAergic inhibition while antagonizing glutamatergic excitation, leading to dose-dependent depression of the central nervous system. The exact molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood but involve multiple targets including GABA-A receptors, NMDA receptors, and other ion channels.
Approved indications
- General anesthesia for surgical procedures
- Maintenance of anesthesia during surgery
Common side effects
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
- Emergence delirium
- Hepatotoxicity (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Volatile Organic Compound Assessment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
- Volatile Organic Compound Assessment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (VAPOR2)
- The Effect of Intravenous Versus Volatile Anesthesia on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients (NA)
- Dexmedetomidine for Improving Emergence Quality in Thyroid Surgery (PHASE4)
- Expanded Access for Inhaled Isoflurane Delivered Via the Sedaconda ACD-S for Sedation of Difficult-to-Sedate Adult Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Unit Patients
- Anesthesia sTrategy foR Organ Procurement In braiN dEath (PHASE3)
- SedAting With Volatile Anesthetics Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients in ICU: Effects On Ventilatory Parameters And Survival (PHASE3)
- Advancing Brain Outcomes in Pediatric Critically Ill Patients Sedated With Volatile AnEsthestic Agents (PHASE3)
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 |
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