Chloroform was widely used for many years as an anesthetic. Because it led to liver injury (often delayed) and cardiac sensitization, this use has been generally eliminated. Chloroform has some use as a solvent, but most of it is used as a chemical intermediate.
While the cause of anesthetic death in the 1860s was not understood, we now know that when administered improperly, chloroform can cause cardiac arrest leading to sudden death.
Until the mid-1900s, chloroform was used as an anesthetic to reduce pain during medical procedures. Today, it is not used in this way due to its harmful effects.
Believe it or not, scientists still don't fully understand how anaesthetics work. So how does chloroform hold up? Chloroform is no longer used as an anaesthetic for several reasons, the most important of which is the relatively high risk of complications, including possible heart failure.
Ether and Chloroform
Ether is still used as an anesthetic in some developing countries because of its low cost and high therapeutic index with minimal cardiac and respiratory depression. Its explosive flammability has eliminated its use in most developed nations.
Chloroform (Figure 1) is a halogenated hydrocarbon that, unlike ether, is not flammable but has significant toxicity, including carcinogenicity, hepato-, and nephrotoxicity.
Dimethoxyethane (DME) is a colorless liquid that may be used a substitute for more hazardous chemicals such as chloroform. DME is miscible with water. Glucose is a natural, biologically made sugar that has proven to be a viable substitute for a number of more hazardous chemicals.
Chloroform is a colorless liquid with a pleasant, sweet odor. It is used as a solvent and to make refrigerants, resins, and plastics. It is no longer used as an anesthetic.
Induction of ethyl ether anesthesia is therefore slow. To achieve deep anesthesia with ethyl ether in medical practice takes 15-25 min (35) (the concentration of ethyl ether used for the induction of anesthesia is usually 10 to 15 vol% or 308,000 to 462,000 mg/m³).
Chronic (long-term) exposure to chloroform by inhalation in humans has resulted in effects on the liver, including hepatitis and jaundice, and central nervous system effects, such as depression and irritability.
In two recent cases of robbery it has been asserted that chloroform was used to render the victims insensible; and although no real evidence has appeared of such having been the fact, yet the statement has gained great publicity through the newspapers, and the sentences on the prisoners have apparently been rendered ...
The mean lethal dose for adults is estimated to be approximately 45 g [1]. Chloroform may be absorbed across the skin and prolonged exposure may result in systemic toxicity, as described in the inhalation section.
Fluothane seems slightly more potent than chloroform and has an equal margin of safety.
Chloroform has been used by criminals to knock out, daze, or even murder victims.
Propofol (Diprivan®) is the most commonly used IV general anesthetic. In lower doses, it induces sleep while allowing a patient to continue breathing on their own. It is often utilized by anesthesiologist for sedation in addition to anxiolytics and analgesics.
Although synthesizing chloroform requires the sophisticated knowledge of a chemist, there is no permit necessary to purchase it, and the substance can be readily purchased at most chemical-supply stores. But remember: Just because you can get your hands on it, doesn't mean you can use it like they do in the movies.
Inhalation of chloroform vapours may lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and dryness of the mouth and throat. Ingestion of chloroform can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting.
How Long Does Chloroform Keep A Person Unconscious? Chloroform, if inhaled in very small doses, can keep a person unconscious from 20 minutes to 2 hours or even more, depending on how concentrated the dose is. Even when the person recovers, they may have symptoms like disorientation, vomiting, headache etc.
If you anticipate only splash contact with chloroform, use either 15-mil thick nitrile gloves or double- gloved standard 4-mil thick nitrile gloves. o Gloves must be thoroughly inspected prior to each use.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that chloroform is possibly carcinogenic to humans (2B). The EPA has determined that chloroform is a probable human carcinogen.
The odor of ether was often found irritating as well. With the release of more efficient anesthetics in the 1960s, the use of ether declined. It was quickly replaced by new anesthetics such as halothane and sevoflurane. Today, it is no longer used except in undeveloped countries, where it is a cheaper alternative.
Chloroform doesn't make you sleep. If overwhelmed by the fumes you pass out due to lack of oxygen. As soon as you resume breathing, you wake up. Likely with a massive headache.
Health effects
Immediately or shortly after exposure to a level of 100 ppm (100,000 ppbv) of chloroform in air, a person may feel tired, dizzy, and have a headache. The following health effects can occur after several years of exposure to chloroform: Chloroform is suspected of causing cancer.
Examples of modern volatile anaesthetics that may be considered sleeping gases are BZ, halothane vapour (Fluothane), methyl propyl ether (Neothyl), methoxyflurane (Penthrane), and the undisclosed fentanyl derivative delivery system used by the FSB in the Moscow theater hostage crisis.
GHB. GHB stands for gamma hydroxybutyrate, a central nervous system sedative often referred to by other names such as "Grievous Bodily Harm" and "Liquid Ecstasy." GHB can produce drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression, and coma.