Inhaled anesthetic
PCP: Moderate to severe pain associated with trauma or interventional medical procedures
PCP: Moderate to severe pain associated with trauma or interventional medical procedures
Patients must self-administer as needed under direct paramedic supervision
Not authorized for patients under 18 years of age
The specific mechanism of action of halogenated anesthetics is not well understood. Methoxyflurane is the only volatile anesthetic agent with significant analgesic properties at low, sub-anesthetic doses.
Inhaled:
Doses of methoxyflurane that exceed therapeutic doses have been shown to produce serious, irreversible nephrotoxicity. Follow dosing guidelines and do not exceed recommended amounts.
Although unlikely in the out-of-hospital setting, patients should not receive more than 6 mL in any 48 hour period and no more than 15 mL over 1 week.
Methoxyflurane carries unique risks for paramedics, particularly with chronic exposure. As such, limit administration of methoxyflurane inside ambulances to a single 3 mL dose; where possible, ensure adequate ventilation through the use of exhaust fans, and set ambulance heater or AC to any position but "Max AC" (as this is a recirculating mode).
Ensure that patients exhale through the carbon filter.
No single employee should administer more than 3 doses of methoxyflurane per shift.