Anesthetic Gases and Liquids That Can Cause Unconsciousness

Historical and Modern Inhalational Anesthetics

• Chloroform: Colorless, sweet-smelling liquid; once widely used but abandoned due to high fatality risk (cardiac arrhythmias, liver toxicity).
• Ether (diethyl ether): Flammable, pungent liquid; early anesthetic, replaced due to flammability and side effects (nausea, respiratory irritation).
• Halothane: Nonflammable, sweet-odored liquid; still used in some settings but can cause hepatitis (halothane hepatitis); contraindicated in liver disease.
• Isoflurane: Nonflammable, fruity odor; widely used; less hepatotoxic than halothane but may cause nausea, vomiting, confusion.
• Sevoflurane: Nonflammable, fruity odor; currently popular; rapid onset/offset, minimal side effects, safe for pediatric use.

Note: These agents are administered only by trained anesthesia professionals in controlled settings. Recreational inhalation is extremely dangerous and can be fatal.