Paper I — 2013 April (2010 Scheme) — Q6

Paper I

2013 April (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 180 min

Question

Halothane

Q63 marksShort Notes★✓

Answer

Halothane is a halogenated inhalational general anaesthetic.

Properties

• Potent anaesthetic (low MAC), non-irritant, pleasant odour — smooth induction
• Poor analgesic and poor muscle relaxant properties
• Non-flammable, non-explosive

Effects on organ systems

• CVS: Myocardial depression, hypotension; sensitizes the myocardium to catecholamines → predisposes to cardiac arrhythmias
• Respiratory: Depresses respiration; bronchodilator — useful in asthmatics
• CNS: Increases cerebral blood flow and intracranial tension
• Uterus: Relaxes uterine smooth muscle — can cause increased postpartum bleeding

Adverse effects

• Hepatotoxicity — “halothane hepatitis,” particularly with repeated exposure (immune-mediated)
• Malignant hyperthermia (rare but life-threatening)
• Cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension
• Postoperative shivering

Contraindications

• Prior halothane exposure/hepatitis
• Pre-existing liver disease
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Raised intracranial tension

Largely replaced today by newer, safer inhalational agents (isoflurane, sevoflurane) due to hepatotoxicity risk.

Related Concepts

1. 1General Anaesthetics

Other Years Asked

1. 1Classify general anaesthetics. Write the mechanism of action, uses and adverse effects of Halothane. Enumerate four drugs used as pre-anaesthetic medication with its rationale for use. Discuss the management of Morphine poisoning. (4+3+6+2)2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Essay · 15 marks
2. 2Compare Inhalational and intravenous general anesthetics (4+4)2024 March (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Essay · 8 marks
3. 3A middle aged man posted for Appendisectomy was given an injection by the ward nurse before being shifted to the operation theatre. Patient developed dryness of mouth, difficulty in swallowing and severe thirst.  What is the drug that was injected  Why the drug was given pre-operatively  What are the other drugs which are given pre-operatively (1+2+3)2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
4. 4Classify general anaesthetics - four groups with two examples. Add a brief note on pre anaesthetic medication (4+2)2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme)Short Essay · 6 marks
5. 5Propofol.2023 January (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
6. 6Enumerate four objectives of preanesthetic medications along with the drugs used for achieving the same.2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
7. 7Sevoflurane2014 March (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
8. 8Halothane2022 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
9. 9Pre-anaesthetic medication2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
10. 10Propofol2018 February (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
11. 11Propofol2017 February (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
12. 12Halothane2015 February (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
13. 13Propofol.2017 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
14. 14Propofol2014 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
15. 15Pre anesthetic medication2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
16. 16Pre-anesthetic medication2014 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
17. 17Intravenous general anesthetics2015 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
18. 18Two intravenous and two inhalational anaesthetics2013 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
19. 19Pre- anesthetic medication2017 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
20. 20Ketamine2021 December (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
21. 21Pre anaesthetic medications2024 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
22. 22General anaesthetics used for induction2022 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.2 marks