General Description
Enflurane is a halogenated ether with the chemical name 2‑chloro‑1,1,2‑trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether, a volatile liquid anesthetic with a pleasant, ethereal odor. Its structure contains a chlorine atom and five fluorine atoms, with a molecular weight of 184.5 Da, and it is a racemic mixture.
Mechanism of Action
Enflurane acts by potentiating inhibitory GABA‑A receptors and glycine receptors, and by inhibiting excitatory NMDA receptors, leading to central nervous system depression. It produces a dose‑dependent decrease in blood pressure and respiratory rate. The drug also has a mild sensitizing effect on the myocardium to catecholamines, though less than halothane.
Application
Enflurane is indicated for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. It is used for surgical procedures and for the management of status epilepticus (as an anesthetic).