System

Halothane

Enflurane

Isoflurane

Desflurane

Sevoflurane

N2O

Central nervous

Rapid smooth induction, increased cerebral blood flow and increased intracranial pressure, stage 2 is therefore also absent.

There is a rapid, smooth induction.

Exception:

Epilepsy, due to convulsions that may occur.

Has a faster induction and recovery rate than Halothane.

Exception:

Do not use in patients who need to breathe spontaneously.

Faster induction and recovery than Isoflurane. Increases cerebral blood flow as well as intracranial pressure.

Weak anesthesia, but potent analgesic.

May cause amnesia.

Cardiovascular

Decreased blood pressure and thus sensitizes the myocardium to arithomogenic effects of catecholamine’s.

Sensitization of the myocardium does not occur.

Less suppression than Halothane and Enflurane. No sensitization of the myocardium.

Less oppressive than Halothane and Enflurane.

No effect.

Respiratory

So there is no saliva or bronchial secretions, nor coughing.

More suppression than Halothane.

Great suppressive effect. Has a skeletal muscle relaxant effect and therefore strengthens the drug.

Has a pungent odor, irritates the respiratory tract and if used as an induction, can cause cough, shortness of breath and laryngospasms.

Less irritating in airways.

Hypoxia.

No skeletal muscle relaxation.

Kidney

Reduces glomerular filtration, as well as urine flow.

Liver

Hepatotoxicity  may occur.

Uterus

Reduces muscle contractions, so external rotation of the baby may occur.