Fluoride toxicity is associated with which inhaled anesthetic?

Fluoride toxicity is associated with which inhaled anesthetic?

• A. Enflurane
• B. Isoflurane
• C. Sevoflurane
• D. Halothane

Answer: (A)

Fluoride toxicity from inhaled anesthetics comes from metabolism that releases inorganic fluoride ions. These fluoride ions can accumulate, especially with agents that release more fluoride, and may impair renal tubular function, leading to nephrotoxicity with prolonged or high-dose exposure. Among the commonly discussed agents, enflurane releases more fluoride than many others and has been associated with fluoride-related renal effects. While methoxyflurane is the classic offender for fluoride toxicity, it’s not listed here, and halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane release far less fluoride and are not typically linked to nephrotoxicity at usual clinical doses. Sevoflurane does produce some fluoride, but its nephrotoxic risk is much lower. Therefore, fluoride toxicity is most closely associated with enflurane.

Fluoride toxicity from inhaled anesthetics comes from metabolism that releases inorganic fluoride ions. These fluoride ions can accumulate, especially with agents that release more fluoride, and may impair renal tubular function, leading to nephrotoxicity with prolonged or high-dose exposure. Among the commonly discussed agents, enflurane releases more fluoride than many others and has been associated with fluoride-related renal effects. While methoxyflurane is the classic offender for fluoride toxicity, it’s not listed here, and halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane release far less fluoride and are not typically linked to nephrotoxicity at usual clinical doses. Sevoflurane does produce some fluoride, but its nephrotoxic risk is much lower. Therefore, fluoride toxicity is most closely associated with enflurane.