It is indicated for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia during inpatient and outpatient surgery in adults and children. Sevoflurane produces a more rapid onset of anesthesia and a more rapid recovery than other marketed inhalation anesthetics. Surgical levels of anesthesia are usually achieved with sevoflurane concentrations ranging from 0.5 to three per cent, with or without nitrous oxide. Approximately five per cent of a sevoflurane dose is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 2E1 to hexafluoroisopropanol, with the release of inorganic fluoride and carbon dioxide. Clinical trials have not revealed any toxicity associated with elevated fluoride concentrations.
Side effects associated with sevoflurane are generally mild and transient.
Agitation has been reported, especially in children. Like other potent inhalation anesthetics, sevoflurane may trigger a malignant hyperthermia reaction. The former 5 mL vial has been discontinued.