Which gas is commonly used for inhalation anesthesia?

Isoflurane is a halogenated ether widely used for inhalation anesthesia due to its favorable properties. It is effective at maintaining general anesthesia while providing muscle relaxation and sedation. Isoflurane has a relatively low blood/gas partition coefficient, allowing for fast induction and recovery times, which is beneficial in surgical settings. Its ability to produce dose-dependent respiratory depression is managed within clinical practice, making it an important agent in the anesthetic arsenal.

Inhalation anesthetics, like isoflurane, are typically administered through a vaporizer that converts the liquid form into a gas, allowing for the delivery of precise concentration to the patient. The other gases listed, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide, do not have anesthetic properties and are not utilized for inducing or maintaining anesthesia. Oxygen, while crucial for supporting life and providing necessary ventilation, is not an anesthetic agent on its own.