Methoxyflurane is used to reduce moderate to severe pain which is associated with trauma or medical procedures.
Use Methoxyflurane exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You will be using the handheld inhaler device by yourself with the guidance of your doctor or a healthcare professional.
Your doctor or healthcare professional will prepare the device for you.
To use the device, your doctor or healthcare professional will instruct you to do these steps:
- Your doctor or healthcare professional will place the wrist loop over your wrist.
- At first, gently breathe in and out through the inhaler to accustom yourself to the fruity smell of the medicine. After the first few breaths, breathe normally through the inhaler.
- In case you need stronger pain relief, you can cover the dilutor hole on the transparent chamber with charcoal with your finger while using the inhaler. Your doctor or healthcare professional will show you where you can find the dilutor hole.
- Take breaks from breathing through the device, this will ensure that the pain relief will last longer.
- Continue using the device until you are told to stop, or when you have inhaled the maximum recommended dose.
Make sure you understand the instructions on using the device. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or the healthcare professional.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the frequency of treatment depending on the severity of your condition.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- significant heart disease or blood vessel problems
- significant kidney disease
- respiratory depression (slow or ineffective breathing)
- current condition or family history of malignant hyperthermia (a disease causing fast rise in temperature and severe muscle spasms)
- personal or family history of severe side effects to inhaled anaesthetics (medicines to block pain and sensation)
- history of liver disease after using this medicine or any inhaled anaesthetics
- changes in consciousness due to any cause including head injury, drug or alcohol use
as Methoxyflurane may not be suitable for you.
Some genetic traits (presence of
RYR1 or
CACNA1S mutations [changes or alterations in genetic material]) can cause serious side effect from this medicine. Use of Methoxyflurane may not be appropriate for individuals who have these mutations. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have any of these mutations, alert your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- risk factors for kidney disease
- current or risk factors for liver disease
- obesity
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Methoxyflurane to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not use this medicine for any other purpose other than what your doctor has advised.
Daily use of this medicine is not recommended.
While using this medicine, you may need to have certain tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, blood pressure and heart rate) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you when you need to have these tests.
Methoxyflurane may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, back pain, sprain, increased appetite, cough, feeling of extreme happiness, tingling sensation in the hands or feet, double vision, flushing, feeling drunk or abnormal, and disturbance in attention.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- dark coloured urine, stomach pain, pale coloured stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes
- change in how much urine is passed, unable to pass urine, swelling in the feet or lower legs, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. gentamicin, colistin, polymyxin B, amphotericin B, tetracycline
- medicines to treat TB (a lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. isoniazid, rifampicin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, carbamazepine
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. efavirenz, nevirapine
- strong painkillers e.g. oxycodone
- medicines to block pain and sensation e.g. sevoflurane
- certain medicines for cold or allergy
- muscle relaxants e.g. baclofen
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Methoxyflurane.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Methoxyflurane.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
