ATC Group: N01AB Halogenated hydrocarbons

Desflurane is one of a family of halogenated methyl ethyl ethers, which are administered by inhalation, producing a dose-related temporary loss of consciousness and of pain sensations, suppression of voluntary motor activity, reduction of autonomic reflexes, and depression of respiration and the cardiovascular system.

Isoflurane is a general inhalational anaesthetic for use in induction and maintenance. Isoflurane provides rapid induction of anaesthesia and also rapid recovery.

Isoflurane is a fluorinated ether with general anesthetic and muscle relaxant activities. Although the exact mechanism of action has not been established, inhaled isoflurane, appears to act on the lipid matrix of the neuronal cell membrane, which results in disruption of neuronal transmission. This agent enhances the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby increasing the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter on synaptic transmission. Isoflurane may also both inhibit glutamatergic excitatory transmission by increasing glutamate re-uptake, and potentiate glycine receptor activity, which decreases motor function. In addition, isoflurane may alter certain pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 and -10 (IL-6, IL-10), possibly through the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB) pathway, which may affect immune responses during surgery.

Sevoflurane is used as an inhalational anaesthetic for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. As with all other inhalation agents sevoflurane depresses cardiovascular function in a dose related fashion. In patients with normal intracranial pressure (ICP), sevoflurane had minimal effect on ICP and preserved CO₂ responsiveness.