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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
1

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

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →

Related medicines

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

Desflurane
Rx
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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