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.
Other topics and Adverse effects
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
It is cheap and can be administered without anaesthetic machine