The present invention provides therapeutic formulations, including therapeutic emulsions and nanoemulsions, and related methods for the delivery of fluorinated therapeutic compounds, including an important class of low boiling point perfluorinated and/or perhalogenated volatile anesthetics. Emulsion-based fluorinated volatile anesthetic formulations compatible with intravenous administration are provided that are capable of delivering and releasing amounts of fluorinated volatile anesthetic compounds effective for inducing and maintaining anesthesia in patients. Intravenous delivery of the present emulsion-based fluorinated volatile anesthetic formulations permits anesthetic levels in a patient to be selectively adjusted very rapidly and accurately without the need to hyperventilate patients and without the use of irritating agents.