Nitrous oxide (medication)
Gas used as anesthetic and for pain relief / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Nitrous oxide is an inhaled gas used as a pain medication and together with other medications for anesthesia.[2] Common uses include during childbirth, following trauma, and as part of end-of-life care.[2] Onset of effect is typically within half a minute, and the effect lasts for about a minute.[1]
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Trade names | Entonox, Nitronox, others |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Onset of action | 30 seconds[1] |
Duration of action | 1 minute[1] |
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Formula | N2O |
Molar mass | 44.013 g·mol−1 |
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There are few side effects, other than vomiting, with short-term use.[1][2] With long-term use anemia or numbness may occur.[2] It should always be given with at least 21% oxygen.[2] It is not recommended in people with a bowel obstruction or pneumothorax.[2] Use in the early part of pregnancy is not recommended.[1] It is possible to continue breastfeeding following use.[3]
Nitrous oxide was discovered between 1772 and 1793 and used for anesthesia in 1844.[4] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[5] It often comes as a 50/50 mixture with oxygen.[1] Devices with a demand valve are available for self-administration.[6] The setup and maintenance is relatively expensive for developing countries.[7][8]