A pilot study of inhaled methoxyflurane for procedural analgesia in children

Abstract

On the basis of this small pilot study of MF use in children in the ED, this agent appears to be a powerful analgesic. MF seems most useful as a self-titrated bridging analgesic agent in patients after extremity trauma. It appears less useful as a procedural agent when patients are unable to anticipate and achieve a sufficient level of analgesia before painful stimulus infliction. Pre- and intraprocedure coaching is an important aspect of its use especially if initial pain scores are low.

Effectiveness of Prehospital Morphine, Fentanyl, and Methoxyflurane in Pediatric Patients

“…In 2007, Babl et al 24 conducted a pilot study of methoxyflurane for procedural analgesia in the ED in 14 children and reported methoxyflurane to be a useful agent for procedural analgesia or as a bridging agent in severe pain. Babl et al 25 also investigated prehospital use of methoxyflurane in 105 children and reported a mean reduction in pain score of 4.7, a reduction that is of the same order of magnitude as the results of our study.…”

Methoxyflurane: a review with emphasis on its role in dental practice

“…9 In a small cohort pilot study, in children, it was deemed effective as an analgesic, with no serious adverse events, and found most useful as a bridging analgesic agent post extremity trauma. 10 Methoxyflurane as a Penthrox (Medical Developments International, Springvale, Victoria, Australia) inhaler was approved under the PBS for prescription by medical practitioners.…”

Stability of Methoxyflurane Loaded Penthrox Inhaler

“…MEOF was an effective procedural analgesic for children after a few breaths. 6 MEOF can be used in a single patient over long periods for the management of pain associated with dressing changes and wound debridement. The use of MEOF for repeated procedures is limited by the possibility of renal toxicity if volumes used exceed the recommended dose.…”