Methoxyflurane Information & Methoxyflurane Links at HealthHaven.com

Methoxyflurane
Systematic (IUPAC) name
	2,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoro-1-methoxy-ethane
Identifiers
CAS number	76-38-0
ATC code	N01AB03
PubChem	4116
DrugBank	APRD00744
Chemical data
Formula	C3H4Cl2F2O
Mol. mass	164.966 g/mol
Synonyms	2,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethyl methyl ether
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	70%
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	Schedule 4 (S4)
Routes	Inhalation ;

Methoxyflurane (C₃H₄Cl₂F₂O, or 2,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethyl methyl ether) was commonly used as an inhalational anaesthetic in the 1960s and early 1970s. It is classified as a halogenated hydrocarbon under the ATC code N01 (Anesthetics) subgroup of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System, but its chemical structure is more accurately characterised as a halogenated ether.

The clinical use of methoxyflurane in human medicine has largely been abandoned because of detrimental effects on the kidneys. This was due to fluoride ions being produced by its metabolism in the kidney. (This effect was considered to be dose-dependent, smaller doses for shorter periods being considered relatively safer).

Its minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) is 0.2%, hence it is extremely potent. It has a high lipid solubility (oil:gas coefficient around 950) giving it a very slow onset/offset, this being undesirable for anesthetic purposes.

Even so, methoxyflurane is a powerful analgesic (pain-relieving) agent, at well below full anaesthetic doses. The vapour is sometimes said to have a pleasant, fruity aroma.

Methoxyflurane is used extensively in the Australian Defence Force and Australian ambulance services as an emergency analgesic.

Methoxyflurane is also widely used as an anesthetic and analgesic in rodents in a lab animal setting.

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