Nitrous oxide
laughing gas
“Night dress Ox”
What it isInhaled NMDA antagonist (site uncertain); procedural analgesia and anesthesia adjunct.
Why this oneVery rapid titratability with analgesia and little hemodynamic suppression distinguishes it from most anesthetics.
What limits itIt inactivates methionine synthase, causing megaloblastic anemia or myeloneuropathy with repeated exposure, and expands closed air spaces.
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskIt inactivates methionine synthase; it expands closed air spaces
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Defining liabilityHypoxia and vitaminB12-dependent neurologic toxicity