Ether is still used as a general anaesthetic in lndia, specially in peripheral hospitals because:
(Ref: KDT 6/e p371) Ether is the only complete anaesthetic agent. It is highly inflammable and explosive. It has good analgesic and muscle relaxant action. It can be delivered by open method. It is a pungent smelling liquid. Induction of anaesthesia with ether is quite slow. All the four stages can be seen.
It is non-explosive
It is pleasant smelling and non irritating
It induces anaesthesia rapidly
It is cheap and can be administered without anaesthetic machine
Other topics and Adverse effects