Ismael Koné's broken leg treated with Penthrox inhaler at World Cup

Canadian midfielder Ismael Koné used a Penthrox inhaler during his team’s World Cup match against Qatar. The medication provided quick pain relief after he suffered a broken leg. Koné later underwent surgery and will miss the rest of the tournament. Penthrox is a fast-acting, non-opioid painkiller designed for short-term relief. It takes effect after six to 12 breaths and can last up to an hour. The inhaler is self-administered, but patients must be able to hold the device to use it.

Originally developed in the 1960s as a general anaesthetic in the US, Penthrox works as a mix of anaesthetic and painkiller. It can cause laughter, a side effect linked to its mechanism. Health Canada approved it in 2022, while Australia and New Zealand have used it since the 1970s.

The medication is not approved in the US due to toxicity concerns from an older version. It is also unsuitable for patients with liver or kidney problems. Koné’s use of Penthrox highlighted its role in managing acute pain. The treatment offers rapid relief but has strict usage limits. Its availability remains restricted in some countries due to historical safety issues.