Halogenated Anaesthetics: Halothane, Enflurane, Isoflurane, Methoxyflurane, Sevoflurane, Nitrous Oxide mnemonic

Halogenated anaesthetics

Halothane [thane (=knight) with a halo]
- Hepatotoxic in adults [impaled liver]
- Causes vagal bradycardia, arrhythmogenic [trembling snail heart]
- Increases blood flow to the brain [dilated arteries]
- bronchodilator [widened trachea], but decreases respiration [swords pointing down]
- Vomiting
- Malignant hyperthermia [burning thermometer]
- Agent of choice in children because of pleasant smell and diminished hepatotoxicity in children [kids like Lego halo thanes]
Enflurane [In flew and ran]
- Faster induction and recovery
- arrhythmogenic
- Muscle relaxant [limp muscle]
- Eliminated by kidneys [kidney with yellow tongue/ureter]
Isoflurane [flew & ran with transposed limbs]
- Not arrhythmogenic [limbs protect the heart from tremors]
Methoxyflurane ["Me thanks" anesthetic]
- Severely nephrotoxic [punching the kidney]
- Used only peripartum since it is the only anesthetic to induce uterine contractions
Sevoflurane [Sieve flew ran]
- Fast induction and recovery. Least toxic
Nitrous Oxide [NOO]
- Used for dental procedures [tooth extractor]
- Does not relax muscles [punch the dentist]
- Blocks pain [stopped lightning bolt]
- occasionally results in pneumothorax [deflated lungs]
- Fast action [quick punch after administration]