Stability of inhalational anaesthestic agents Department of
Chemistry, Silesian University in Katowice - Fig. 1. New
generation anaesthetics - Fig. 2. Chain reaction of sevoflurane
(A+) degradation induced by Lewis acids [5, 9] - Fig. 3.
Degradation of anaesthetics induced by active bases (NaOH, KOH)
present in CO2 absorbents containing soda or barium lime - Table
1. Examples of Lewis acids and their origin - Table 2.
Comparison of preparations containing sevoflurane Modern
inhalational anaesthetics are liable to react with carbon
dioxide absorbers and degrade under certain conditions.
Sevoflurane may break down and produce toxic compounds in
contact with Lewis acids or carbon dioxide absorbers.
Desflurane, isoflurane and enflurane can also undergo
undesirable reactions. Producers use various stabilizers,
containers, and recommendations for storage times and
conditions. In this paper, the possible dangers of inappropriate
use of inhalational anaesthetics, and ways to avoid production
of toxic compounds are pr