Desflurane
Desflurane is a rapidly adjustable inhaled anesthetic with low blood solubility and rapid recovery characteristics.
Group
Volatile inhalation anesthetic
Mechanism of Action
Produces reversible central nervous system depression through multiple neuronal ion-channel targets.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance of anesthesia | Reference only | INHALATION | Continuous | Titrate delivered and end-tidal concentration to anesthetic depth and cardiorespiratory response using a desflurane vaporizer. Canine MAC around 7.2% has been reported; premedication and other anesthetics alter requirements. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance of anesthesia | Reference only | INHALATION | Continuous | Published MAC in oxygen is approximately 9.8%. Titrate actual end-tidal concentration to patient response and other anesthetics; MAC is not an individual prescription. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance of anesthesia | Reference only | INHALATION | Continuous | Published MAC in oxygen is approximately 7.23%. Titrate actual end-tidal concentration to patient response and other anesthetics; MAC is not an individual prescription. |
Rabbits
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance of anesthesia | Reference only | INHALATION | Continuous | Published MAC in oxygen is approximately 8.9%. Titrate actual end-tidal concentration to patient response and other anesthetics; MAC is not an individual prescription. |
Alpacas
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance of anesthesia | Reference only | INHALATION | Continuous | Published MAC in oxygen is approximately 7.8%–8% for alpacas/llamas. Titrate actual end-tidal concentration to patient response and other anesthetics; MAC is not an individual prescription. |
Llamas
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance of anesthesia | Reference only | INHALATION | Continuous | Published MAC in oxygen is approximately 7.8%–8% for alpacas/llamas. Titrate actual end-tidal concentration to patient response and other anesthetics; MAC is not an individual prescription. |
Indications
- Maintenance of general anesthesia with controlled delivery
Contraindications
- Known or suspected susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia
- Prior serious reaction to a halogenated anesthetic
Interactions
- Other sedatives, opioids and injectable anesthetics reduce inhalant requirement.
- Neuromuscular blockade can be potentiated.
- ACE inhibitors and other hypotensive medicines can increase hypotension.
- Succinylcholine with inhalant anesthetics can increase arrhythmia, apnea and malignant-hyperthermia risk.
Adverse effects
- Dose-dependent hypotension
- Respiratory depression
- Airway irritation
- Malignant hyperthermia in susceptible patients
Toxicity
Excessive concentration causes profound respiratory and cardiovascular depression; discontinue delivery and support ventilation and circulation.
Monitoring and Administration
Deliver only through a calibrated desflurane-specific vaporizer with oxygen, airway control, scavenging and monitoring.
Monitor blood pressure, ECG, oxygenation, end-tidal carbon dioxide, end-tidal anesthetic and temperature.
Canine research reported a MAC around 7.2%; MAC is a population response measure and not an individual vaporizer prescription. Suprane is a neat 100% volatile liquid; percent inhaled concentration is not a mass dose.
General clinically used ranges were induction 8–15% and maintenance 5–9%, with an approximately 8% starting vaporizer setting after IV induction described by another clinician. These are contextual ranges without universal species attribution, not fixed patient targets.
Avoid mask induction when possible because pungency and airway irritation can provoke salivation and distress. Rapid recovery requires adequate perioperative analgesia and a controlled recovery environment, especially in large animals.
Use additional care with head injury or raised intracranial pressure and reduce requirements in geriatric or critically ill patients. Store the original bottle tightly closed and protected from light at 15–30°C; use current vaporizer/bottle instructions for filling.