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An inhalation anesthetic is a gas or volatile liquid administered through the lungs to produce or maintain general anesthesia. The agent passes from the airways into the blood and then reaches the brain and other tissues. Common examples include sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane, and nitrous oxide. These medicines are administered by trained anesthesia professionals using specialized equipment.
read more about inhalation anesthetic ...Inhalation anesthetics are used to maintain unconsciousness during surgery and selected medical procedures. Some agents can also be used to begin anesthesia, particularly when intravenous access is difficult or an inhaled induction is preferred. They are commonly combined with intravenous anesthetics, pain medicines, muscle relaxants, and other supportive drugs. The selected agent depends on the patient, procedure, required recovery speed, and clinical setting.
Inhaled anesthetics alter signaling through several ion channels and receptors in the central nervous system. Their combined effects reduce awareness, memory, movement, and responses to surgical stimulation. The exact molecular actions differ among agents and are not explained by one receptor alone. Anesthesia depth can be adjusted by changing the inhaled concentration delivered to the patient.
Volatile liquid anesthetics are converted into controlled vapor by an anesthesia machine and mixed with oxygen or other breathing gases. Nitrous oxide is supplied as a gas and delivered through the breathing system. Clinicians monitor the inspired and expired anesthetic concentrations along with oxygen, ventilation, blood pressure, heart rhythm, temperature, and level of anesthesia. Scavenging systems help limit occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases.
Possible effects include low blood pressure, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, agitation during recovery, and changes in heart rhythm. Volatile anesthetics can trigger malignant hyperthermia in genetically susceptible people. Some agents can irritate the airway or affect blood flow to different organs. Continuous monitoring and immediate access to airway, cardiovascular, and emergency treatment are required.
Some, such as nitrous oxide, are gases at room temperature. Others are volatile liquids that an anesthesia machine converts into vapor before inhalation.
They can provide major components of general anesthesia, but modern anesthesia commonly combines several medicines. Additional drugs can control pain, movement, nausea, and other needs.
Minimum alveolar concentration is a standard measure used to compare the potency of inhaled anesthetics. It represents the alveolar concentration that prevents movement in half of patients exposed to a defined surgical stimulus.
Volatile inhalation anesthetics can trigger malignant hyperthermia in susceptible people. Nitrous oxide is not considered a triggering agent.
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About Anesthetic Gases and Reproductive Health. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/reproductive-health/prevention/anesthetic-gases.html. Date Accessed August 5, 2026.