Heart rate may be unchanged or increased. Arterial blood pressure decreases with increasing depth of anesthesia. Peripheral vasodilation occurs. Isoflurane does not sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines. For example, premature ventricular contractions which develop during halothane anesthesia may cease when the animal is switched to isoflurane anesthesia.
Tidal volume decreases with increasing depth of anesthesia.
A mild to moderate respiratory acidosis will develop during light to medium surgical anesthesia. Severe respiratory depression develops during deep anesthesia. Low solubility results in rapid induction of anesthesia and rapid recovery. Licensed for use in humans, clinical trial in dogs completed - awaiting FDA approval. Cardiovascular effects similar to isoflurane.