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Nitrous oxide, as medical gas supply, is an inhaled gas used as pain medication, and is typically administered with 50% oxygen mix. It is often used together with other medications for anesthesia . [ 2 ]
This is typically a 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide with air that is an inhaled analgesic and anesthetic. Nitrous oxide has been used for pain management in childbirth since the late 1800s. The use of inhaled analgesia is commonly used in the UK, Finland, Australia, Singapore and New Zealand, and is gaining in popularity in the United States.
Nitrous oxide has significant medical uses, especially in surgery and dentistry, for its anaesthetic and pain-reducing effects, [5] and it is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [6]
Nitrous oxide flow is only allowed via an opened valve when there is flow of oxygen to the system. In any circumstances when oxygen flow is less than 30%, nitrous oxide stops flowing. This prevents the potential delivery of 100% nitrous oxide and it becomes a standard on every sedation unit made today. [9] Reservoir bag
It is not known if nitrous oxide causes drug dependency but its use can be habit-forming. [1] Death can result if it is inhaled in such a way that not enough oxygen is breathed in. While the pure gas is not acutely toxic, it inactivates vitamin B 12, [8] with continued use causing neurological damage due to peripheral and central demyelination. [3]
Different measures for pain control have varying degrees of success and side effects to the woman and her baby. In some countries of Europe, doctors commonly prescribe inhaled nitrous oxide gas for pain control, especially as 53% nitrous oxide, 47% oxygen, known as Entonox; in the UK, midwives may use this gas without a doctor's prescription. [112]
Medications: long-term use of certain medications can result in poor absorption of dietary vitamin B 12. [1] These include medications to treat heartburn, and metformin to treat diabetes. [132] [133] A genetic disorder, transcobalamin II deficiency, or Imerslund–Gräsbeck syndrome can be a cause. Nitrous oxide exposure, and recreational use ...
Isoflurane is always administered in conjunction with air or pure oxygen.Often, nitrous oxide is also used. Although its physical properties imply that anaesthesia can be induced more rapidly than with halothane, [10] its pungency can irritate the respiratory system, negating any possible advantage conferred by its physical properties.