Fluothane (halothane, USP) is indicated for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.

Fluothane may be administered by the nonrebreathing technique, partial rebreathing, or closed technique. The induction dose varies from patient to patient but is usually within the range of 0.5% to 3%. The maintenance dose varies from 0.5% to 1.5%.

Fluothane may be administered with either oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide.

Fluothane should not be kept indefinitely in vaporizer bottles not specifically designed for its use. Thymol does not volatilize along with Fluothane and, therefore, accumulates in the vaporizer and may, in time, impart a yellow color to the remaining liquid or to wicks in vaporizers. The development of such discoloration may be used as an indicator that the vaporizer should be drained and cleaned, and the discolored Fluothane (halothane, USP) discarded. Accumulation of thymol may be removed by washing with diethyl ether. After cleaning a wick or vaporizer, make certain all the diethyl ether has been removed before reusing the equipment to avoid introducing ether into the system.

Because of the more rapid uptake of Fluothane and the increased blood concentration required for anesthesia in younger patients, the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) ¹ values will decrease with age as follows:

Fluothane® (halothane, USP) is available in unit packages of 125 mL (NDC 0046-3125-81) and 250 mL (NDC 0046-3125-82) of halothane, USP, stabilized with 0.01% thymol (w/w) and up to 0.00025% ammonia (w/w).

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Store at room temperature (approximately 25°C) in a tight, closed container.

Protect from light.

Use carton to protect contents from light.

PHYSICIAN REFERENCE

1. Gregory, GA et al: Anesthesiology 1969; 30 ( 5  ):488-491.

Manufactured for:  
Ayerst Laboratories Inc.
A Wyeth-Ayerst Company
Philadelphia, PA 19101
By ICI Chemicals and Polymers Ltd.
Runcorn, Cheshire, U.K.

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