What is Isoflurane Inhalant used for?

Isoflurane Inhalant is indicated for: General anesthesia maintenance.

Which species have cited Isoflurane Inhalant dosing data?

Isoflurane Inhalant dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 5 species: African Grey Parrot, Ball Python, Bearded Dragon, Guinea Pig, Rabbit (Domestic).

Is Isoflurane Inhalant a controlled substance?

Isoflurane Inhalant is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Isoflurane Inhalant

US brand names:IsoFlo, Forane

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Isoflurane Inhalant is dosed at 2–5 % Inhalation titrate to effect in ball pythons, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed | Corroborated 2026-07-30: Larouche CB et al. Vet Anaesth Analg 2019;46:807-814. doi:10.1016/j.vaa.2019.08.002 PMID:31564503 - Python regius, isoflurane MAC 1.11% (abstract); VMD SPC IsoFlo Vm 42058/5102 rev. Feb 2025 - reptiles, inhalation, induction 2-4%, maintenance 1-3%.. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Neurological

Routes

Inhalation

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Volatile halogenated ether producing dose-dependent CNS depression. Mechanism involves GABA-A potentiation and glycine receptor modulation.

Side effects & warnings

Most commonly used volatile anesthetic in veterinary medicine. Dose-dependent cardiovascular depression. MAC varies by species. Requires precision vaporizer. Scavenge waste gas.

Evidence levels across 5 dose rules

Strong×3Moderate×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 5 published sources

· Beaufrere H, Pinard C. Ocular lesions. In: Mayer J, Donnelly T, eds. Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets; Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2013:209-212.; Hawkins MG, Barron H, Speer BL, et al. Birds. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 4th ed., Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, MO; 2013:183-437. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.479 (2026-08-01).
· Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1191-1211. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.240 (2026-08-01).
· Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed | Corroborated 2026-07-30: Larouche CB et al. Vet Anaesth Analg 2019;46:807-814. doi:10.1016/j.vaa.2019.08.002 PMID:31564503 - Python regius, isoflurane MAC 1.11% (abstract); VMD SPC IsoFlo Vm 42058/5102 rev. Feb 2025 - reptiles, inhalation, induction 2-4%, maintenance 1-3%.

Upgrade for Full Details

Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.

View Plans

GillettCS. Selected drug dosages and clinical reference data. In: Manning PJ, Ringler DH, Newcomer CE, eds. The Biology of the Laboratory Rabbit, 2nd ed., Academic Press, San Diego, CA; 1994:467-472. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-469235-0.50028-2; Harkness JE, Wagner JE. The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents, 4th ed., Williams & Wilkins — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.859 (2026-08-01).

· Hawkins MG, Pascoe PJ. Anesthesia, analgesia and sedation of small mammals. In: Quesenberry KE, Orcutt CJ, Mans C, et al. Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:536-558. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-48435-0.00037-x; Huerkamp M. Anesthesia and postoperative management of rabbits and pocket pets. In: Bonagura JD, eds. Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XII Small Animal Practice; W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA; 1995:1322-1327. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.784 (2026-08-01).