Physicochemical properties and pharmacodynamics of desflurane.
Desflurane is a new volatile, inhaled anaesthetic that differs significantly from presently available inhaled agents in being halogenated solely with fluorine. This fluorination produces a lower solubility and increased resistance to biodegradation. The lower solubility provides a more precise control over, and a more rapid awakening from, anaesthesia. The resistance to biodegradation suggests that toxicity from desflurane may be minimal or non-existent. Limitations include a lesser potency and greater pungency at concentrations exceeding 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). Other pharmacological properties are similar to those of isoflurane.
D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D000077335:Desflurane; D006801:Humans; D007530:Isoflurane / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D000077335:Desflurane; D007530:Isoflurane