Sevoflurane: an experimental anesthetic.

Sevoflurane is nonexplosive and, in clinically useful concentrations, nonflammable. It is relatively chemically inert in that it can be stored without preservative, and undergoes limited dehydrofluorination in moist alkali. It does not sensitize the heart to epinephrine or cause alterations of hematologic or serum clinical chemistry values after repeated exposures in animals or in man after a single exposure. It depresses respiration and cardiovascular functions in experimental animals and man, but less than halothane. It is metabolized to a limited extent, releasing subnephrotoxic amounts of fluoride ion. Sevoflurane warrants further testing in man.