A colourless liquid inhaled as a vapour to induce and maintain general anaesthesia (see anaesthesia, general).
A volatile liquid anaesthetic, used for many years as a potent inhalant anaesthetic. It provides smooth induction of ANAESTHESIA and is non-irritant and pleasant to inhale. A few patients have an idiosyncracy to halothane, putting them at risk if it is used frequently, so a careful history is essential before it is administered to a patient (see HALOTHANE HEPATITIS).
A very rare form of HEPATITIS following exposure to HALOTHANE during anaesthesia (1:35,000 halothane anaesthetics). Jaundice develops three to four days after exposure and will occasionally develop into a fatal massive hepatic necrosis. It is of unknown aetiology but probably has an immunological basis. It is more common following multiple exposures in a short time (less than 28 days), and in obesity, middle age and females. It is rare in children.... halothane hepatitis
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