What is "halothane"

n. (context organic compound English) The halogenated hydrocarbon ''2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane'' that is used as an inhalational general anaesthetic

n. a nonflammable inhalation anesthetic that produces general anesthesia; used along with analgesics and muscle relaxants for many types of surgical procedures

Halothane (trademarked as Fluothane) is a general anesthetic that is inhaled. Its IUPAC name is 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane. It is the only inhalational anesthetic containing bromine. It is colorless and pleasant-smelling, but unstable in light. It is packaged in dark-colored bottles and contains 0.01% thymol as a stabilizing agent.

It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. Its use in developed countries has been mostly superseded by newer agents such as sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane. As of 2014 it cost about 22 to 52 USD for a 250 ml bottle.