Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Halothane anesthesia is primarily associated with hepatotoxic reactions, which can manifest as a form of liver injury known as halothane hepatitis. This condition can occur especially in patients who have been exposed to halothane multiple times. The liver injury is thought to be immune-mediated, involving the formation of halothane metabolites that the body recognizes as foreign, leading to an inflammatory response and subsequent liver damage.

The risk for hepatotoxicity increases significantly in patients with a history of halothane exposure, as repeated use can sensitize the liver to its adverse effects. Monitoring liver enzyme levels before and after halothane use is critical for detecting potential damage early.

While the other options list adverse reactions that can occur with various anesthetics or medical conditions, they are not specifically associated with halothane. For example, neurological dysfunction may relate to other agents or factors in anesthesia but is not a hallmark of halothane. Similarly, while cardiovascular distress can occur with many anesthetic agents, halothane is more notably linked with its effects on the liver. Pulmonary complications can arise with various anesthetics but again are not particularly linked to halothane. Thus, hepatotoxic reaction remains the definitive and recognized adverse effect associated with halothane anesthesia.