Halothane

CNS: fast smooth induction with an absence of stadium 2. Increase in cerebral blood flow and an increase in intracranial pressure.

Cardiovascular: Decrease in blood pressure. Sensitized myocardium for arythmogenic effects of catecholamines.

Hepatic: hepatotoxicity can occur (rare, and unpredictable)

Uterus: decrease in muscle contractions that can lead to external twisting of a baby.

Respiratory: no saliva, bronchial excretions or cough.

Autonomic: bradycardia

Enflurane

CNS: fast, smooth induction. Convulsions can sometimes occur, thus it shouldn’t be used in epileptics.

Cardiovascular: no sensitization of the myocardium. There is less suppression on the CVS than with Halothane.

Respiratory: more suppression than with Halothane.

Isoflurane

CNS: faster induction and recovery than with Halothane.

Cardiovascular: less suppression than with Halothane or Enflurane. There is also no sensitization of the myocardium.

Respiratory: potent suppressor. This is because of the potent skeletal muscle relaxing effects.

Desflurane

CNS: even faster induction and recovery than Isoflurane. Increase in cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure.

Cardiovascular: less suppression than with Halothane and Enflurane.

Respiratory: strong smell that can irritate the airways if it is used as an induction drug. This can cause coughing, shortness of breath and even laryngospasm.

Sevoflurane

The effects are similar to that of Desflurane. But in the respiratory system it is less irritating on the airways.

Nitrous oxide

CNS: weak anaesthetic, potent analgesic and can cause amnesia.

CVS: there is no effect on the cardiovascular system.

Respiratory: pure N2O can cause hypoxia. That is why it should always be mixed with pure O2 or air. During the recovery phase, N2O has a fast diffusion from the blood to the alveoli. Thus there will be a decrease in O2 pressure which would cause hypoxia.