Ismael Koné's broken leg at World Cup spotlights Penthrox pain relief

Canadian midfielder Ismael Koné used a Penthrox inhaler during his team’s World Cup match against Qatar. The medication provided short-term pain relief after he suffered a broken leg. He later underwent surgery and will miss the rest of the tournament. Penthrox was first developed in the 1960s in the United States as a general anaesthetic. It acts as a fast-working, non-opioid painkiller, offering relief within six to 12 breaths. The effects can last up to an hour.

The drug is self-administered, allowing patients to stop use once pain is under control. It works as a mix of anaesthetic and painkiller, sometimes causing laughter. Health Canada approved it in 2022, while Australia and New Zealand have used it since the 1970s.

However, Penthrox is not approved in the US due to toxicity concerns from an earlier version. It is also unsuitable for people with liver or kidney problems. Koné’s injury has ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament. His use of Penthrox highlighted the drug’s role in managing acute pain. The medication remains unavailable in the US but is authorised in several other countries.