Desflurane
Desflurane is a highly fluorinated inhaled anesthetic agent used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia during surgical procedures. It is known for its rapid onset and offset due to its low blood-gas partition coefficient, making it particularly useful for outpatient surgeries and procedures requiring precise control of anesthesia depth.
Desflurane is an inhaled anesthetic used to induce and maintain general anesthesia during surgery.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01AB07
- RxNorm
- 27340
- Generic
- Desflurane
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- Suprane
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in adult patients undergoing surgical procedures, particularly those requiring rapid changes in anesthetic depth or outpatient surgeries where quick recovery is desired.
Desflurane is a volatile halogenated ether that acts on the central nervous system to produce a reversible state of unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation by enhancing GABA receptor activity and inhibiting glutamate receptors.
Should only be administered by trained anesthesia providers with appropriate monitoring equipment. May cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and laryngospasm during induction. Contraindicated in patients with known susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia and should be used cautiously in patients with impaired cerebral circulation.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy