Is Sevoflurane the Anaesthetic for you?

Sometimes, it is necessary to, have a loss of sensation, especially during operations and surgeries. Doctors use Anaesthetics to achieve this. Anaesthetics are drugs that induce anaesthesia. Anaesthesia means “loss of sensation".Anaesthetics block the signals that pass along your nerves to your brain, thus disabling the feeling of any sensations. Anaesthetics are helpful in procedures of pain. When the effects of the medicine start to weaken, you start to feel normal sensations again.

Many times, Anaesthetics are used during tests and surgical operations to numb the body sensation or certain areas of the body, or it is also useful to induce sleep. It is beneficial to prevent the feeling of pain and discomfort, especially during a lot of medical procedures and operations. Anaesthetics, usually come in two forms, local anaesthesia, and general anaesthesia. In local anaesthesia, a small area of the body is numbed while the patient can remain fully conscious. Local anaesthesia is often used during minor procedures or operations.

In general anaesthesia, the patient is unconscious and unaware of the procedure. It is often used for more severe procedures and operations.Doctors who specialize in giving anaesthesia to patients are known as anaesthetists. Anaesthetics are given in several ways like an ointment (spray or drops), an injection into a vein, and a gas that you can breathe in. Sevoflurane is one such anaesthetic that can be used by the doctor.

What is Sevoflurane?

Sevoflurane is beneficial for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in adults, and as maintenance in children or paediatric patients. Sevoflurane belongs to the group of medicines known as general anaesthetics. Sevoflurane can be inhaled by adults before and during surgery. It is sweet-smelling and can cause general anaesthesia (loss of consciousness). It can work as a maintenance anaesthesia in adults and children after receiving other anaesthetics before and during surgery. It has a fast onset and can deliver good results.

When is Sevoflurane used?

Sevoflurane is given mainly for:

· Induction of anaesthesia for inpatient and outpatient surgery.

· For the maintenance of anaesthesia in both inpatient and outpatient surgery.

Popular brand names for Sevoflurane

A general anaesthetic, Sevoflurane is sold under the brand name ‘Ultane’.

Precautions Before taking Sevoflurane

The doctors carefully weigh in all the benefits and adverse reactions before administering anaesthetics. You must inform your doctor of your medical history and your family’s medical history before administration of the medicine so that the doctor can make an informed decision.

Age is also another factor that your doctor takes into account.

Children of age 6 years and younger can have unwanted side effects, so the doctor decides the dose as needed.

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor about the following

· Any allergic condition

· Any other medications

· Any herbal medicines you may be taking

· Any supplements you take

· About Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

· If you have asthma or an airway infection.

· Heart or blood vessel disease

· Muscle weakness

· Liver or kidney disease

Taking due precautions makes the dose safe for you and it is easy for the doctor to treat as well.

How to take Sevoflurane?

Sevoflurane is a general anaesthetic. The doctors and other medical professionals decide the administration of the medicine based on health, safety, and requirement. The dose can be titrated for each individual according to the patient’s age and clinical status. The doctor or the nurse may assist you to take Sevoflurane. A mask is put on the face and the medicine then needs to be inhaled. Sevoflurane is a liquid that is non-flammable and nonexplosive, it is vaporization, and the vapours are inhaled by the patient. The vaporizer is specifically designed for use with Sevoflurane. After inhalation, the medicine makes you feel sleepy.

During the inhalation, your doctor will monitor you regularly for blood pressure, pulse rate, and heartbeat. Sevoflurane should ordinarily be administered in the concentration range of 0.5 to 1.0% to supplement other general anaesthetics. After taking anaesthetics it is advised, not to perform any activities that would require concentration (driving, using a heavy machine, etc.), for about 24 hours or longer if necessary. The patient may develop increased blood loss, monitor them carefully. Good ventilation is a must in the patient room while using this medication. Consult the doctor immediately if the patient develops side effects.

Side effects of Sevoflurane

Sevoflurane is a prescription medicine; it is used with caution by your doctor. Your doctor makes sure that the medicine is safe for you, but each individual reacts differently to the drugs. Like all drugs, Sevoflurane has some side effects. Below are some of the common side effects, you may experience.

Discuss these with your doctor for a safer experience.

Common Sevoflurane side-effects

· Agitation

· Dizziness

· Drowsiness

· Increased Cough, saliva

· Light-headedness

· Nausea

· Shivering

· Vomiting

Also, about severe or less common side effects forms like the following condition consult the doctors

Severe Side effects

· Hives

· Difficulty breathing

· Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

· Anxiety

· Chills

· Seizures

· Muscle Stiffness

· Fast or irregular heartbeat

· Stomach pain

· Fatigue

· Yellowing of the eyes or skin

· Dark Urine

If you experience any unusual or severe side effects consult your doctor immediately.

How to know if Sevoflurane is the correct drug for you:

Today it is easily possible to know which drug is the most effective for you. The pharmacogenetic test, MEDNAwise from Indus Health Plus is your best bet to know if Sevoflurane is the medicine for you. Gone are the days when the doctor would use the trial method to find out the most suited drug with the least side effects. That method time consuming and required a lot of trials. With the MEDNAwise test, your doctor can quickly start the treatment with the knowledge of the most effective drug and dosage.

How does the MEDNAwise test work?

Genes are responsible for your body’s response to the drugs and medicine you take. It is due to these genes that a medicine that worked wonders for your friend does not work for you. MEDNAwise analyses your genes based on a quick saliva swab and tells your body’s response to 70 + medicines across medical specialties. The test can tell you the medicines that are effective and safe for you. The MEDNAwise test is an assurance of safe treatment options with lesser adverse effects. After the results, the counsellors assist you with the results and help you understand the recommendations.

A simple, easy, and affordable test, MEDNAwise has the ability to become a ready reckoner for the doctors to identify the best-suited drug for your unique self. The results of this test can be reused whenever you visit the doctor. In the era of personalized healthcare, it would be no wonder to see MEDNAwise pharmacogenetic test be a standard in precision medicine. It helps you lead a stress-free and carefree life when it comes to healthcare and hospitalization. Being healthy is what all of us desire. You can choose to lead a healthy life too. Call Indus Health Plus and book your MEDNAwise pharmacogenetic test today!