Desflurane (Suprane)

Other Medications · Approved since 1992

US FDA Approved Inhalational 2 Clinical Trials
GABA-A receptors NMDA receptors voltage-gated sodium channels voltage-gated calcium channels

Description

Desflurane is a volatile halogenated ether used as an inhalational general anesthetic during surgical procedures for colorectal cancer patients. It serves as the primary anesthetic agent to maintain unconsciousness during laparoscopic colectomy and other colorectal surgical interventions. The drug provides rapid onset and offset of anesthesia due to its low blood-gas solubility coefficient, making it particularly suitable for outpatient and minimally invasive colorectal procedures.

Mechanism of Action

Desflurane acts on multiple targets in the central nervous system, primarily enhancing GABA-A receptor activity and inhibiting NMDA glutamate receptors to produce general anesthesia. It also affects voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels in neuronal membranes, leading to depression of synaptic transmission and altered neuronal excitability that results in loss of consciousness and surgical anesthesia.

Molecular Targets

Side Effects

Respiratory irritation and coughing Increased heart rate and blood pressure Nausea and vomiting Shivering Emergence agitation Laryngospasm Bronchospasm Malignant hyperthermia (rare)

Not all side effects are listed. Side effects vary by individual. Always consult your oncologist.

Clinical Trials

NCT07239479 Not Applicable
Recruiting
DEXDES Trial: Dexmedetomidine-Desflurane Combination in Laparoscopic Colectomy
Vietnam
NCT01696630 Phase 2
Archived
Xenon Combined With Intraoperative Thoracic Epidural Analgesia
France