For animal treatment only.

Halothane potentiates the action of non depolarising muscle relaxants such as gallamine and d-tubocurarine and dosage of these agents should be reduced.

Premedicants are frequently used to facilitate the induction of anaesthesia and reduce the required dosage of induction agents (such as short acting barbiturates) and inhalation agents. Particular care should be exercised in animals premedicated with alpha-2-adrenoceptor agonists.

During the induction of anaesthesia, a moderate fall in blood pressure commonly occurs. The pressure tends to rise when the vapour concentration is reduced to maintenance levels, but it usually remains steady below the pre-operative level.

Halothane causes dose-related respiratory and cardiovascular depression, and so respiration and pulse character should be monitored. Respiratory arrest should be treated by assisted ventilation with air, or preferably oxygen supplementation. It is important that a patent airway be maintained and adequate tissue oxygenation achieved throughout the period of anaesthesia. Should cardiac arrest occur, full cardiopulmonary resuscitation methods should be applied.

Halothane sensitises the heart to the catecholamines and the use of adrenaline should be avoided where possible.

Halothane delays involution of the uterus following caesarean section. Ecbolic drugs may need to be given to the mother after delivery of the offspring.

Malignant hyperthermia has been reported in the dog and horse but its incidence is rare.

Not to be used in animals intended for human consumption.

Treated horses may never be slaughtered for human consumption.

The horse must have been declared as not intended for human consumption under national Horse Passport legislation.

Do not breathe vapour.

Avoid contact by mouth.

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid exposure to the product and should avoid operating rooms and animal recovery areas.

Use with efficient scavenging equipment. To protect the environment, the use of charcoal filters with such equipment is to be encouraged to reduce the amounts discharged to the atmosphere.

Ensure that the operating room has an adequate active extraction system. Care should be taken when dispensing Halothane, with any spillage removed immediately using inert and absorbent material e.g. sawdust.

Use cuffed endotrachael intubation whenever possible for the maintenance of general anaesthesia with Halothane.

Where possible, vaporisers should be filled outside the operating theatre or outdoors. Wash any splashes from skin and eyes immediately.

Avoid using masking procedures for prolonged induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia.

Induction/recovery areas should be well ventilated. All scavenging/extraction systems must be adequately maintained and anaesthetic equipment regularly checked for leaks.

Halothane can induce liver damage. This is an idiosyncratic response very occasionally seen after repeated exposure.

In the event of severe acute accidental exposure remove the operator from the source of exposure, seek urgent medical assistance and show this label.

Maintain a patent airway and give symptomatic and supportive treatment. Note that the use of adrenaline and catecholamines is contra-indicated since they may cause severe cardiac dysrhythmia.