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What is Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (dinitrogen monoxide) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, nonflammable, nonirritating, inorganic gas used for general anesthesia.
Nitrous oxide is a powerful analgesic, but it is a relatively weak inhalational anesthetic and usually must be supplemented by other agents if general anesthesia is desired.
It is used in low doses to provide analgesia in obstetrics and during procedures that do not require unconsciousness.
Indications
- dental anesthesia
- general anesthesia induction
- general anesthesia maintenance
- procedural sedation
- severe pain
For use in general anesthesia induction and general anesthesia maintenance
Side Effects
- anemia
- delirium
- hypoxia
- increased intracranial pressure
- leukopenia
- nausea
- respiratory depression
- shivering
- vomiting
Monitoring Parameters
- arterial blood gases (ABGs)
Contraindications
- air embolism
- breast-feeding
- GI obstruction
- head trauma
- hypoxemia
- ileus
- increased intracranial pressure
- intracranial mass
- middle ear cysts
- pneumoencephalography
- pneumothorax
- pregnancy
- pulmonary cysts
- renal cysts
Use with caution during pregnancy because animal studies reveal nitrous oxide can cause fetal death, growth retardation, and skeletal anomalies.
Interactions
No information is available regarding drug interactions associated with Nitrous Oxide
