Due to the low solubility of nitrous oxide in biological tissue and fluid, nitrous oxide/oxygen mixtures provide very rapid onset and offset leading to quick pain relief and rapid elimination of the gas from the lungs. The admixture of 50 % oxygen prevents hypoxic conditions during administration and is an important safety feature of the product. Nitrous oxide/oxygen mixtures are indicated as an analgesic/sedative agent in all situations where analgesia/sedation with fast onset and offset is sought.
Nitrous oxide/oxygen mixtures are contraindicated in patients presenting diseases/symptoms of pneumothorax, gas embolus, or a risk of decompression sickness, in conjunction with pneumoencephalography after cardiopulmonary by-pass with heart-lung machine or severe head trauma, or recent intraocular injection of SF6. This is because air bubbles(emboli)/air filled spaces may expand due to the effects of nitrous oxide. Other areas of contraindication are increased intracranial pressure, head injuries, loss of consciousness and patients with severe heart failure. For further detailed information about special warnings or precautions of use please contact Linde Gas Therapeutics.
As the gas mixture is provided in pressurized gas cylinders the recommendations for storage and handling of these vessels should be followed