Isoflurane, sold under the brand name Forane among others, is a halogenated ether used as a general anesthetic. It can be used to start or maintain anesthesia; however, other medications are often used to start anesthesia, due to airway irritation with isoflurane. Isoflurane is given via inhalation. Isoflurane was approved for medical use in the United States in 1979. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Source: Wikipedia (en)