IsoFlo 100% w/w Inhalation Vapour, Liquid

The ease and rapidity of alteration of the depth of anaesthesia with isoflurane
and its low metabolism, may be considered advantageous for its use in
special groups of patients such as the old or young, and those with impaired
hepatic, renal or cardiac function.

Revised: March 2025
AN: 03635/2024

Special precautions for use in animals
Isoflurane has little or no analgesic properties. Adequate analgesia should
always be given before surgery. The analgesic requirements of the patient
should be reviewed again before the general anaesthesia has ended.
Isoflurane causes depression of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
It is important to monitor pulse quality and rate in all patients. The use of the
product in patients with cardiac disease should only be considered after a
benefit risk assessment by the responsible veterinary surgeon. In the case of
cardiac arrest, complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be performed.
It is important to monitor respiratory rate and quality. It is also important to
maintain an open airway and to properly oxygenate tissues during the
maintenance of anaesthesia. Respiratory arrest should be treated by assisted
ventilation.
The metabolism of isoflurane in birds and small mammals can be affected by
decreases in body temperature that may occur secondary to a high surface
area to body weight ratio. Therefore body temperature should be monitored
and kept stable during treatment.
Drug metabolism in reptiles is slow and highly dependent upon environmental
temperature. Reptiles may be difficult to induce with inhalation agents due to
breath holding.
When using isoflurane to anaesthetise an animal with a head injury,
consideration should be given as to whether artificial ventilation is appropriate
to help avoid increased cerebral blood flow by maintaining normal CO2 levels.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary
medicinal product to animals
Do not breathe the vapour. Users should consult their National Authority for
advice on Occupational Exposure Standards for isoflurane.
Operating rooms and recovery areas should be provided with adequate
ventilation or scavenging systems to prevent the accumulation of anaesthetic
vapour. All scavenging/ extraction systems must be adequately maintained.
Adverse effects on foetuses and pregnant animals were observed in
laboratory animals. Pregnant and breast- feeding women should not have any
contact with the product and should avoid operating rooms and animal
recovery areas. Avoid using masking procedures for prolonged induction and
maintenance of general anaesthesia.
Use cuffed endotracheal intubation when possible for the administration of
IsoFlo during maintenance of general anaesthesia.
Care should be taken when dispensing isoflurane, with any spillage removed
immediately using an inert and absorbent material e.g. sawdust. Wash any
splashes from skin and eyes, and avoid contact with the mouth. If severe
accidental exposure occurs remove the operator from the source of exposure,

Revised: March 2025
AN: 03635/2024
seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to
the physician.
Halogenated anaesthetic agents may induce liver damage. In the case of
isoflurane this is an idiosyncratic response very rarely seen after repeated
exposure.
To the physician: Ensure a patient’s airway and give symptomatic and
supportive treatment. Note that adrenaline and catecholamines may cause
cardiac dysrhythmias.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment
Although anaesthetics have a low potential for damage to the atmosphere, it
is good practice to use charcoal filters with scavenging equipment, rather than
to discharge them into the air.
iii) Other precautions:
Not applicable.