nitrous oxide

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

Nitrous oxide works by interfering with the release of endorphins that are known to be involved in producing analgesic effects. It is known to relieve extreme pain due to burns and injuries. It is also used as an inhalation anesthetic in specific surgical procedures. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Nausea 

Vomiting 

Paresthesia 

Numbness 

Lack of concentration 

Life-threatening events: 

Granulocytopenia 

Aplastic anemia  

Hypoxia due to overdose 

Severe: 

Atonia 

Peripheral neuropathy

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning  

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

Infection or disturbance of middle ear 

Sinusitis 

Cough 

Tonsilitis 

Cold  

Glaucoma  

Emotional disturbances 

Bleomycin sulfate treatment 

Deficiency of vitamin B12 that is untreated 

Caution: 

First trimester of pregnancy 

Liver failure 

Kidney failure

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

USFDA pregnancy category: not recommended 

Lactation:  

Pregnancy category:  

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There was a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Nitrous oxide is an inhalation anesthetic known to possess analgesic activity 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The mechanism of action of nitrous oxide is not known.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The onset of action takes place in 4-5 deep breaths on inhalation of nitrous oxide. 

Distribution 

Peak absorption can be reached immediately 

Elimination and excretion 

Nitrous oxide is eliminated renally in an unchanged form. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Nitrous oxide should be given in well-ventilated parts 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: nitrous oxide 

Why do we use nitrous oxide? 

Nitrous oxide is mainly indicated for the treatment of pain, surgical anesthesia, dental caries, and analgesia without regaining consciousness and pain. It can also be used as an alternative medication in adjunctive therapy for burn and wound dressing.