[Acute pain management : the role of inhaled methoxyflurane in clinical practice].

Abstract

Since 2018, a new analgesic drug has been made available in Switzerland : methoxyflurane. This halogenated gas, controlled by the patient, offers a very effective analgesic effect comparable to opiates. Known since the 1960s and used mainly in pre-hospital emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, its use in Europe is increasing alongside standard analgesic treatments in the traumatic setting. Administered by inhalation, it does not require an intravenous access, which is ideal in prehospital emergency situations. This treatment could be used for the management of acute pain of various origins, such as renal lithiasis, or to facilitate different procedures, such as closed fracture reduction or chest tube insertion. Its indications are growing and its use will probably become commonplace with clinicians in a near future.

• Authors: Carlos Lojo Rial, Florian Ozainne, Christophe Fehlmann, Stephan Von Düring, Philippe Cottet
• Journal: Revue medicale suisse (Rev Med Suisse) Vol. 16 Issue 686 Pg. 553-556 (Mar 18 2020) ISSN: 1660-9379 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Traitement de la douleur aiguë : la place du méthoxyflurane inhalé dans la pratique clinique.
• PMID: 32186802 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anesthetics, Inhalation
• Methoxyflurane

Topics

• Acute Pain (drug therapy)
• Anesthetics, Inhalation (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Methoxyflurane (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Pain Management
• Switzerland