Uptake of Halothane by the Human Body

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Abstract
The uptake and subsequent output of halothane by the body were studied by continuous measurement of expired gas concentration in 8 normal subjects who breathed a fixed (0.2%) gas mixture at a constant rate for 1.5-2 hours. The ratio of end-expired to inspired gas concentrations did not mount rapidly, the average reaching only 0.53 within 10 minutes. The greatest ratio observed in any uptake study was 0.82 at 2 hours. The expired concentration fell more rapidly during the output period than it rose during uptake. Compared to most other inhalational anesthetics, both uptake and output of halothane proceed slowly. This difference is probably attributable to the relatively great solubility of halothane in blood and body tissue.

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