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Sevoflurane

Prescription

Halogenated Inhalant Anesthetic

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Fluorinated methyl isopropyl ether with lower blood:gas solubility than isoflurane (0.65 vs 1.4), allowing faster induction, more precise adjustment of anesthetic depth, and significantly faster recovery. Similar GABA/NMDA mechanism to isoflurane.

At a glance

Class

Halogenated Inhalant Anesthetic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C; keep away from heat, light, flame; occupational exposure limits apply

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Non-pungent odor — preferred for mask induction in dogs

Dose

—

Route

Inhalation

Frequency

Continuous during anesthesia

🐈

Cat

Preferred inhalant for feline mask/chamber induction due to non-pungent smell an

Dose

—

Route

Inhalation

Frequency

Continuous during anesthesia

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C; keep away from heat, light, flame; occupational exposure limits apply

Safety

Monitoring parameters

SpO2ETCO2Blood pressureECGTemperatureAnesthetic depth

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Fentanyl

moderate

Fentanyl CRI reduces sevoflurane MAC by 40-60%, allowing lower vaporizer settings.

Management: Intended beneficial interaction (balanced anesthesia). Reduce vaporizer setting and monitor depth.

Dexmedetomidine

moderate

Dexmedetomidine premedication reduces sevoflurane MAC by 50-90%.

Management: Significantly reduce sevoflurane. Monitor depth closely to prevent over-anesthesia.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

SevoFlo

Ultane

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Sevoflurane?

Sevoflurane is a halogenated inhalant anesthetic used in pets. Fluorinated methyl isopropyl ether with lower blood:gas solubility than isoflurane (0.65 vs 1.4), allowing faster induction, more precise adjustment of anesthetic depth, and significantly faster recovery. Similar GABA/NMDA mechanism to isoflurane.

›What is Sevoflurane used for in pets?

Sevoflurane is used in veterinary medicine for: Non-pungent odor — preferred for mask induction in dogs; Preferred inhalant for feline mask/chamber induction due to non-pungent smell an.

›What is the Sevoflurane dose for dogs?

For dogs, Sevoflurane is typically dosed as follows — Non-pungent odor — preferred for mask induction in dogs: undefined undefined Inhalation Continuous during anesthesia. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Sevoflurane dose for cats?

For cats, Sevoflurane is typically dosed as follows — Preferred inhalant for feline mask/chamber induction due to non-pungent smell an: undefined undefined Inhalation Continuous during anesthesia. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Sevoflurane need a prescription?

Yes. Sevoflurane is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Halogenated Inhalant Anesthetic).

Desflurane

Volatile fluorinated methyl ethyl ether with the lowest blood:gas solubility coefficient of all clinical inhalants (0.42), allowing the fastest induction, depth adjustment, and recovery. Requires heated vaporizer (boiling point 23.5°C).

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