This medication is used for the short-term relief of
moderate to severe pain after trauma or during certain medical procedures.
It should not be used for relief of pain that keeps coming back or that is
ongoing (such as for chronic back pain). It is not clearly known how it
works to reduce pain, but it may affect certain natural substances in your
body. Methoxyflurane belongs to a class of drugs known as inhalation
anesthetics.
This form of methoxyflurane is not used for anesthesia
during surgery.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using methoxyflurane and each time you get
a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
A health care professional will help you with how to use
the inhaler. Breathe in and out through the mouthpiece of the inhaler as
directed by your doctor. Continue breathing in and out through the inhaler
until you start to feel pain relief. You may begin to feel pain relief
after about 6 to 10 breaths, or within about 5 minutes. If you need
stronger pain relief, inhale and use your finger to cover the dilutor hole
on the inhaler as directed. You do not need to breathe in and out of the
inhaler all of the time. Continue to take breaths through the inhaler from
time to time, as needed to control your pain.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Use the lowest possible dose to get pain relief.
Properly stop the medication when so directed.
Though it helps many people, this medication may
sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance
use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Use this
medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your pain lasts or gets
worse.
See also Warning section.
Dizziness, headache, or drowsiness may occur.
Mental/mood changes such as trouble with thinking or coordination, feeling
"high," or temporary memory problems may also occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using methoxyflurane, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other inhaled anesthetics; or
if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease-COPD)
- diabetes
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- high or low blood pressure
- personal or family history of severe allergic reaction to
inhaled anesthetic
- previous use of methoxyflurane
- substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to
drugs/alcohol)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Not applicable. This product is used in a hospital or
clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.