System:

Effects:

Central nervous system effects

• some drugs decrease blood flow within the brain.
• some volatile drugs may cause cerebral vasodilation = increase cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure.
• fast, smooth induction of the CNS

Cardiovascular system effects

• all volatile drugs decrease mean arterial pressure either via myocardial depression or vasodilation.
• some drugs can preserve cardiac output by decreasing preload and afterload.
• produces a dose-dependent decrease in arterial blood pressure.
• drugs can also depress normal cardiac contractility.

Renal effects

• decrease in GFR and urine flow and sometimes renal blood flow.

Hepatic effects

• decrease in portal vein blood flow.
• persistent elevation in liver enzymes (halothane).

Effects on the uterus

• potent uterine relaxant.
• can also increase uterine bleeding after delivery of the baby.

Respiratory system

• produce bronchodilation
• some cause airway irritation
• drugs (except NO) cause a decrease in tidal volume and an increase in respiratory rate.
• all volatile drugs are respiratory depressants.
• drugs also depress mucociliary function in airways.