n anestheticdecreases flammability and boiling point. It also decreases therate of catechol- induced arrhythmia (these increase as the sizeof the halogen increases). Listed below are a few differenttypes of fluorinate hydrocarbons:Halothane (Fluothane) was the first fluorinated hydrocarbonto be used. It is a poor muscle relaxant, and has some toxicityand has been shown to cause catechol- induced arrhythmia.Methoxyflurane (Penthrane) is somewhat better than theabove, but still causes some arrhythmia and toxicity. It alsocauses a slow induction period.Enflurane (Enthrane) is a pretty good anesthetic in stageone (see topic below).Isoflurane (Forane) is the best general anesthetic found sofar and has no common ill effects.Another type of general anesthetics is nitrous oxide. Thisis the least toxic anesthetic, but is also the least potent. Itcauses good analgesia. but is a poor muscle relaxant.Ketamine hydrochloride is also an anesthetic agent and isderived from phencyclidine. It acts like a volatile anestheticagent and is potent, quickly acting, and has a short duration. It is usually only used for children under 16 because about 27%of those over 16 have wild dreams and hallucinations duringemergence that can be rather dangerous and unpleasant.ConclusionThroughout the past century and a half, there have been manyadvances in all fields of medicine. Anesthetics have, too,changed tremendously. Although whenever an anesthetic is used, arisk is involved, anesthetics have come a long way since 1846 andare fairly safe now. They are used in most surgical proceduresand have allowed may new types of surgical procedures to takeplace. They have contributed greatly to our wonderful world ofmedicine....
