Methoxyflurane
5365919
187661796
2008-01-29T09:29:23Z
58.175.35.28
{{drugbox
| IUPAC_name = 2,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoro-1-methoxy-ethane
| image = Methoxyflurane.svg
| image2 = Methoxyflurane-3D-balls.png
| CAS_number = 76-38-0
| ATC_prefix = N01
| ATC_suffix = AB03
| ATC_supplemental =
| PubChem = 4116
| DrugBank = APRD00744
| C = 3 | H = 4 | Cl = 2 | F = 2 | O = 1
| molecular_weight = 164.965 g/mol
| bioavailability =
| protein_bound =
| metabolism =
| elimination_half-life =
| excretion =
| pregnancy_AU = <!-- A / B1 / B2 / B3 / C / D / X -->
| pregnancy_US = <!-- A / B / C / D / X -->
| pregnancy_category =
| legal_AU = <!-- Unscheduled / S2 / S4 / S8 -->
| legal_UK = <!-- GSL / P / POM / CD -->
| legal_US = <!-- OTC / Rx-only -->
| legal_status =
| routes_of_administration = Inhalation
}}
'''Methoxyflurane''' (C<sub>3</sub><sub></sub>H<sub>4</sub><sub></sub>C<sub></sub>l<sub>2</sub><sub></sub>F<sub>2</sub><sub></sub>O) is an [[inhalational anaesthetic]] used in the 1960s and early 1970s, but withdrawn because of detrimental effects on the [[kidney]]s. This was due to [[fluoride ions]] being produced by its metabolism in the kidney. (This effect was considered to be dose-dependent, smaller doses for shorter periods being considered relatively safer).
Its [[minimum alveolar concentration]] (MAC) is 0.2, hence it is extremely potent. It has a high lipid solubility (oil:gas coefficient around 950) giving it a very slow onset/offset, this being undesirable for anesthetic purposes.
Even so, methoxyflurane is a powerful analgesic (pain-relieving) agent, at well below full anaesthetic doses. The vapour has a pleasant, fruity aroma.
Methoxyflurane is used extensively in Australian ambulance services, and in [[St John Ambulance]] as an emergency [[analgesic]].
==External links==
* [http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/m/methoxyfluraneinh.htm Info at New Zealand Medicines Safety Authority]
* [http://www.drugs.com/cons/Methoxyflurane.html Drug information at Drugs.com]
* [http://redpoll.pharmacy.ualberta.ca/drugbank/drugBank/drugFile/msds/APRD00744.html Safety data sheet]
* [http://research.uiowa.edu/animal/?get=methoxyalt Use in medical research]
* [http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,8063%7CMethoxyflurane,00.html Info at Drug Digest]
{{General anesthetics}}
[[Category:Anesthetics]]
{{Pharma-stub}}
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[[fr:Méthoxyflurane]]
[[ru:Метоксифлуран]]