isoflurane 999 MG/ML Inhalation Solution [Isospire]

1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation may be used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Adequate data have not been developed to establish its application in obstetrical anesthesia. Isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation, a general anesthetic, is an inhalation agent indicated for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. ( 1 )

2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation should be administered only by persons trained in the administration of general anesthesia. Isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation should only be delivered using a vaporizer specifically designed and designated for use with isoflurane. ( 2 ) The administration of general anesthesia must be individualized and titrated based on the patient's age and clinical status. ( 2 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information Isoflurane should be administered only by persons trained in the administration of general anesthesia. Facilities for maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, oxygen enrichment, and circulatory resuscitation must be immediately available. Isoflurane is administered by inhalation. Isoflurane should be delivered from a vaporizer specifically designed for use with isoflurane. Dosage for induction and maintenance must be individualized and titrated to the desired effect according to the patient's age and clinical status. With the exception of neonates, the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane decreases with increasing patient age. Nitrous oxide decreases the MAC of isoflurane (see Table 1 ). Opioids decrease the MAC of isoflurane [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Isoflurane potentiates the muscle relaxant effect of all neuromuscular blockers and decreases the required doses of neuromuscular blocking agents [see Drug Interactions (7) . The dose should be adjusted accordingly. All patients anesthetized with isoflurane should be continually monitored (e.g., monitoring of the electrocardiogram, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and end tidal CO 2 ). Isoflurane is a profound respiratory depressant. Excessive respiratory depression may be related to depth of anesthesia and respond to decreasing the inspired concentration of isoflurane. The depressant effect is accentuated by concurrent use of opioids and other respiratory depressants. Respiration should be closely monitored and assisted or controlled ventilation employed when necessary. 2.2 Premedication Premedication should be selected according to the need of the individual patient, taking into account that secretions are weakly stimulated by isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation, and the heart rate tends to be increased. 2.3 Induction Induction with isoflurane in oxygen or in combination with oxygen-nitrous oxide mixtures may produce coughing, breath holding, laryngospasm and bronchospasm, which increases with the concentration of isoflurane. These difficulties may be avoided by the use of a hypnotic dose of an ultra-short-acting barbiturate. Inspired concentrations of 1.5 to 3% isoflurane usually produce surgical anesthesia in 7 to 10 minutes. 2.4 Maintenance Isoflurane MAC values according to age are shown below: Table 1: Effect of Age on Minimum Alveolar Concentration of Isoflurane Age Average MAC Value In 100% Oxygen Average MAC Value In 30% Oxygen and 70% N 2 O Preterm neonates less than 32 weeks gestational age 1.28% Preterm neonates 32-37 weeks gestational age 1.41% 0-1 month 1.60% 1-6 months 1.87% 6-12 months 1.80% 1-5 years 1.60% 6-10 years 1.45% 11-18 years 1.38% 19-30 years 1.28% 0.56% 31-55 years 1.15% 0.50% 55-83 years 1.05% 0.37% Dosage for induction and maintenance must be individualized and titrated to the desired effect according to the patient's age and clinical status. Surgical levels of anesthesia may be sustained with a 1 to 2.5% concentration when nitrous oxide is used concomitantly. An additional 0.5 to 1% may be required when isoflurane is given using oxygen alone. If added relaxation is required, supplemental doses of neuromuscular blocking agents may be used. The level of blood pressure during maintenance is an inverse function of isoflurane concentration in the absence of other complicating problems. Excessive decreases may be due to depth of anesthesia and in such instances may be corrected by lightening anesthesia. Isoflurane causes a dose-dependent reduction in systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. Particular care must be taken when selecting the dosage for patients who are hypovolemic, hypotensive, or otherwise hemodynamically compromised, e.g., due to concomitant medications. Isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation markedly increases cerebral blood flow at deeper levels of anesthesia to produce a transient increase in intracranial pressure. In patients with or at risk for elevations of intracranial pressure (ICP), administer isoflurane in conjunction with ICP-reducing strategies, as clinically appropriate. 2.5 Use in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Regardless of the anesthetics employed, maintenance of normal hemodynamics is important to the avoidance of myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease. Isoflurane can cause dose-dependent coronary vasodilation and has been shown to divert blood from collateral-dependent myocardium to normally perfused areas in an animal model ("coronary steal"). The extent to which coronary steal occurs in patients with steal-prone coronary anatomy is unclear. Monitor for signs of inadequate myocardial perfusion via hemodynamic monitors (e.g., ECG, blood pressure) during isoflurane administration. Consider additional cardiac monitoring in patients with known coronary artery disease, as clinically necessary.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Malignant Hyperthermia : Malignant hyperthermia may occur, especially in individuals with known or suspected susceptibility based on genetic factors or family history. Discontinue triggering agents, administer intravenous dantrolene sodium, and apply supportive therapies. ( 5.1 ) • Perioperative Hyperkalemia : Perioperative hyperkalemia may occur. Patients with latent or overt neuromuscular disease, particularly with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, appear to be most vulnerable. Early, aggressive intervention is recommended. ( 5.2 ) • Hepatic Reactions : May cause sensitivity hepatitis in patients sensitized by previous exposure to halogenated anesthetics. Approach repeated anesthesia with caution. ( 5.3 ) • Hypersensitivity Reactions : Allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with isoflurane. ( 5.4 ) • Abortions : Increased blood loss comparable to that seen with halothane has been observed in patients undergoing abortions. ( 5.5 ) • QT Prolongation : Carefully monitor cardiac rhythm when administering Isoflurane USP to susceptible patients. ( 5.6 ) • Interactions with Desiccated Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) Absorbents: May react with desiccated CO 2 absorbents to produce carbon monoxide. Replace desiccated CO 2 absorbent before administration of Isoflurane USP. ( 5.7 ) • Pediatric Neurotoxicity : In developing animals, exposures greater than 3 hours cause neurotoxicity. Weigh benefits against potential risks when considering elective procedures in children under 3 years old. ( 5.8 ) 5.1 Malignant Hyperthermia In susceptible individuals, volatile anesthetic agents, including Isoflurane USP, may trigger malignant hyperthermia, a skeletal muscle hypermetabolic state leading to high oxygen demand. Fatal outcomes of malignant hyperthermia have been reported. The risk of developing malignant hyperthermia increases with the concomitant administration of succinylcholine and volatile anesthetic agents. Isoflurane USP can induce malignant hyperthermia in patients with known or suspected susceptibility based on genetic factors or family history, including those with certain inherited ryanodine receptor (RYR1) or dihydropyridine receptor (CACNA1S) variants [see Contraindications (4) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.5) ]. Signs consistent with malignant hyperthermia may include hyperthermia, hypoxia, hypercapnia, muscle rigidity (e.g., jaw muscle spasm), tachycardia (e.g., particularly that unresponsive to deepening anesthesia or analgesic medication administration), tachypnea, cyanosis, arrhythmias, hypovolemia, and hemodynamic instability. Skin mottling, coagulopathies, and renal failure may occur later in the course of the hypermetabolic process. Successful treatment of malignant hyperthermia depends on early recognition of the clinical signs. If malignant hyperthermia is suspected, discontinue all triggering agents (i.e., volatile anesthetic agents and succinylcholine), administer intravenous dantrolene sodium, and initiate supportive therapies. Consult prescribing information for intravenous dantrolene sodium for additional information on patient management. Supportive therapies include administration of supplemental oxygen and respiratory support based on clinical need, maintenance of hemodynamic stability and adequate urinary output, management of fluid and electrolyte balance, correction of acid base derangements, and institution of measures to control rising temperature. 5.2 Perioperative Hyperkalemia Use of inhaled anesthetic agents has been associated with rare increases in serum potassium levels that have resulted in cardiac arrhythmias and death in pediatric patients during the postoperative period. Patients with latent as well as overt neuromuscular disease, particularly Duchenne muscular dystrophy, appear to be most vulnerable. Concomitant use of succinylcholine has been associated with most, but not all, of these cases. These patients also experienced significant elevations in serum creatinine kinase levels and, in some cases, changes in urine consistent with myoglobinuria. Despite the similarity in presentation to malignant hyperthermia, none of these patients exhibited signs or symptoms of muscle rigidity or hypermetabolic state. Early and aggressive intervention to treat the hyperkalemia and resistant arrhythmias is recommended, as is subsequent evaluation for latent neuromuscular disease. 5.3 Hepatic Reactions Cases of mild, moderate and severe postoperative hepatic dysfunction or hepatitis with or without jaundice, including fatal hepatic necrosis and hepatic failure, have been reported with isoflurane. Such reactions can represent hypersensitivity hepatitis, a known risk of exposure to halogenated anesthetics, including isoflurane. As with other halogenated anesthetic agents, Isoflurane USP may cause sensitivity hepatitis in patients who have been sensitized by previous exposure to halogenated anesthetics [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Clinical judgment should be exercised when isoflurane is used in patients with underlying hepatic conditions or under treatment with drugs known to cause hepatic dysfunction. [see Contraindications (4) ]. As with all halogenated anesthetics, repeated anesthetics within a short period of time may result in increased effects, particularly in patients with underlying hepatic conditions, or additive effects in patients treated with drugs known to cause hepatic dysfunction. Evaluate the need for repeated exposure in each individual patient and adjust the dose of isoflurane based on signs and symptoms of adequate depth of anesthesia if repeated exposure in a short period of time is clinically indicated. 5.4 Hypersensitivity Reactions Allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with isoflurane. Manifestations of such reactions have included hypotension, rash, difficulty breathing and cardiovascular collapse. 5.5 Abortions Increased blood loss comparable to that seen with halothane has been observed in patients undergoing abortions. 5.6 QT Prolongation QT prolongation, with rare instances of torsade de pointes, have been reported. Monitor QT interval when administering isoflurane to susceptible patients (e.g., patients with congenital Long QT Syndrome or patients taking drugs that can prolong the QT interval). 5.7 Interactions with Desiccated Carbon Dioxide Absorbents Isoflurane USP, like some other inhalational anesthetics, can react with desiccated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) absorbents to produce carbon monoxide, which may result in elevated levels of carboxyhemoglobin in some patients. Barium hydroxide lime and soda lime become desiccated when fresh gases are passed through the CO 2 absorber canister at highflow rates over many hours or days. When a clinician suspects that CO 2 absorbent may be desiccated, it should be replaced before the administration of Isoflurane USP. The color indicator of most CO 2 absorbents does not necessarily change as a result of desiccation. Therefore, the lack of significant color change should not be taken as assurance of adequate hydration of the CO 2 absorbent material. CO 2 absorbents should be replaced routinely regardless of the state of color indicator following current manufacturer’s guidelines for use of anesthesiology equipment. 5.8 Pediatric Neurotoxicity Published animal studies demonstrate that the administration of anesthetic and sedation drugs that block NMDA receptors and/or potentiate GABA activity increase neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain and result in long-term cognitive deficits when used for longer than 3 hours. The clinical significance of these findings is not clear. However, based on the available data, the window of vulnerability to these changes is believed to correlate with exposures in the third trimester of gestation through the first several months of life, but may extend out to approximately three years of age in humans [see Use in Specific Populations

4. CONTRAINDICATIONS Isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation is contraindicated in patients: in whom general anesthesia is contraindicated. with known sensitivity to isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation or to other halogenated agents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . with known or suspected genetic susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.5) ]. with a history of confirmed hepatitis due to a halogenated inhalational anesthetic or a history of unexplained moderate to severe hepatic dysfunction (e.g., jaundice associated with fever and/or eosinophilia) after anesthesia with isoflurane or other halogenated inhalational anesthetics. Patients in whom general anesthesia is contraindicated ( 4 ) Patients with known sensitivity to isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation or other halogenated agents ( 4 ) Patients with known or suspected genetic susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia ( 4 ) Patients with a history of confirmed hepatitis due to a halogenated inhalational anesthetic or a history of unexplained moderate to severe hepatic dysfunction (e.g., jaundice associated with fever and/or eosinophilia) after anesthesia with isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation or other halogenated inhalational anesthetics ( 4 )

12. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Induction of and recovery from isoflurane anesthesia are rapid. Isoflurane has a mild pungency which limits the rate of induction, although excessive salivation or tracheobronchial secretions do not appear to be stimulated. Pharyngeal and laryngeal reflexes are readily obtunded. The level of anesthesia may be changed rapidly with isoflurane. Isoflurane is a profound respiratory depressant. As anesthetic dose is increased, tidal volume decreases and respiratory rate is unchanged. This depression is partially reversed by surgical stimulation, even at deeper levels of anesthesia. Isoflurane evokes a sigh response reminiscent of that seen with diethyl ether and enflurane, although the frequency is less than with enflurane. Blood pressure decreases with induction of anesthesia but returns toward normal with surgical stimulation. Progressive increases in depth of anesthesia produce corresponding decreases in blood pressure. Nitrous oxide diminishes the inspiratory concentration of isoflurane required to reach a desired level of anesthesia and may reduce the arterial hypotension seen with isoflurane alone. Heart rhythm is remarkably stable. With controlled ventilation and normal PaCO 2 , cardiac output is maintained despite increasing depth of anesthesia, primarily through an increase in heart rate which compensates for a reduction in stroke volume. The hypercapnia which attends spontaneous ventilation during isoflurane anesthesia further increases heart rate and raises cardiac output above awake levels. Muscle relaxation is often adequate for intra-abdominal operations at normal levels of anesthesia. Complete muscle paralysis can be attained with small doses of neuromuscular blocking agents. ALL COMMONLY USED NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKING AGENTS ARE MARKEDLY POTENTIATED WITH ISOFLURANE, THE EFFECT BEING MOST PROFOUND WITH THE NONDEPOLARIZING TYPE. Neostigmine reverses the effect of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents in the presence of isoflurane. All commonly used neuromuscular blocking agents are compatible with isoflurane. Isoflurane can produce coronary vasodilation at the arteriolar level in selected animal models; the drug is probably also a coronary dilator in humans. Isoflurane, like some other coronary arteriolar dilators, has been shown to divert blood from collateral dependent myocardium to normally perfused areas in an animal model ("coronary steal"). Clinical trials to date evaluating myocardial ischemia, infarction and death as outcome parameters have not established that the coronary arteriolar dilation property of isoflurane is associated with coronary steal or myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Isoflurane undergoes minimal biotransformation in man. In the postanesthesia period, only 0.17% of the isoflurane taken up can be recovered as urinary metabolites. 12.5 Pharmacogenomics RYR1 and CACNA1S are polymorphic genes, and multiple pathogenic variants have been associated with malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) in patients receiving volatile anesthetic agents, including isoflurane, USP liquid for inhalation. Case reports as well as ex-vivo studies have identified multiple variants in RYR1 and CACNA1S associated with MHS. Variant pathogenicity should be assessed based on prior clinical experience, functional studies, prevalence information, or other evidence [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .