DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Sevoflurane

March 21, 2017

Sevoflurane Inhalation vapour, liquid

What is this medicine?

SEVOFLURANE is a medicine that you breathe to help reduce any pain from a procedure or surgery.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • a history of malignant hyperthermia

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • neuromuscular disease like Duchenne muscular dystrophy

  • seizures

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to sevoflurane, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as full-term newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • astemizole

  • bepridil

  • certain antibiotics like grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin

  • cisapride

  • droperidol

  • halofantrine

  • levomethadyl

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

  • pimozide

  • St. John's wort

  • terfenadine

  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • isoniazid, INH

  • narcotic medicines for pain

  • neuromuscular blockers like pancuronium, vecuronium, and atracurium

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • dark urine

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

  • high body temperature

  • right upper belly pain

  • seizures

  • slow or difficult breathing

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • agitation, nervousness

  • cough

  • drowsiness

  • nausea, vomiting

  • shivering

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert