ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the most commonly used inhaled anesthetic agents in clinical practice such as nitrous oxide (N2O), and volatile liquids such as desflurane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane, and their importance in anesthesia management for patients undergoing neurosurgery or with any other brain disorders. It describes the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and systemic effects of desflurane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane. The N2O is used in many procedures and surgeries because of its analgesic and anesthetic effects. It is also considered a major air pollutant with high global warming probability. Isoflurane is liquid at room temperature but vaporizes very rapidly. Its pungent odor can irritate the airway leading to laryngospasm. Sevoflurane is one of the most widely used volatile anesthetic agents for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Desflurane is a highly pungent inhalational agent with low potency. Because of its odor, desflurane can cause airway irritation, leading to its infrequent use to induce anesthesia.
