Isoflurane Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2024.

Applies to isoflurane: inhalation liquid, inhalation solution.

Serious side effects of isoflurane

Along with its needed effects, isoflurane may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking isoflurane:

More common side effects

• anxiety
• chest tightness
• confusion as to time, place, or person
• cough
• dry mouth
• irregular heartbeat
• irritability
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• shaking
• trouble breathing
• trouble sleeping
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

Less common side effects

• fainting
• fast or pounding heartbeat or pulse

Rare side effects

• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness. or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• headache
• pounding in the ears
• seizures
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• black, tarry stools
• bloating
• bloody urine
• bluish lips or skin
• bulging soft spot on head of an infant
• change in ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• constipation
• dark urine
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• difficulty swallowing
• high fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• increased thirst
• indigestion
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle twitching or jerking
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness
• no blood pressure or pulse
• noisy breathing
• not breathing
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back vomiting
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• problems with movement, walking, or speech
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rhythmic movement of the muscles
• rigid muscles
• slow to respond
• slurred speech
• stomach pain
• stopping of the heart
• swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
• trouble sleeping
• unconsciousness
• uncontrolled eye movements
• unpleasant breath odor
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
• vomiting of blood
• weakness or heaviness of the legs
• weight gain
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of isoflurane

Some side effects of isoflurane may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• mood changes
• nightmare

Rare side effects

• dry heaves

Incidence not known

• feeling of warmth
• red, sore eyes
• redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
• redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids

For healthcare professionals

Applies to isoflurane: inhalation liquid.

Hepatic adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Hepatocellular injury, blood bilirubin increased, hepatic enzymes increased
• Postmarketing reports: Hepatic necrosis, hepatic failure^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, ileus^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Coughing
• Common (1% to 10%): Laryngospasm
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Secretions
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Bronchospasm, dyspnea, wheezing, chest discomfort
• Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperkalemia, blood glucose increased^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Carboxyhemoglobinemia, hemorrhage, white blood cell count increased^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Shivering, chills, myoglobinuria, rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Agitation, delirium, altered mood, mental impairment^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Malignant hyperthermia, fluoride increased, blood cholesterol decreased, blood alkaline phosphatase decreased^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Convulsion^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Blood creatinine increased, blood urea decreased^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Postoperative hypotension
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Postoperative hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Hypotension, arrhythmia, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, QT prolonged, tachycardia, torsade de pointes
• Postmarketing reports: Cardiac arrest^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Swelling face, contact dermatitis, rash^[Ref]

Further information

Isoflurane side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer