Nitrous oxide (medication)

Nitrous oxide
	Entonox CD cylinder and giving set
Clinical data
Trade names	Entonox, Nitronox, others
ATC code	N01AX13 (WHO) ;
Pharmacokinetic data
Onset of action	30 seconds
Duration of action	1 minute
Identifiers
	IUPAC name Nitrous oxide;
CAS Number	10024-97-2;
PubChem CID	948;
DrugBank	06690;
ChemSpider	923;
UNII	K50XQU1029;
ChEBI	CHEBI:17045;
ChEMBL	ChEMBL1234579;
Chemical and physical data
Formula	N2O
Molar mass	44.013 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image;
	SMILES [N-]=[N+]=O;
	InChI InChI=1S/N2O/c1-2-3; Key:GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N;

Nitrous oxide is an inhaled gas used as a pain medication and together with other medications for anesthesia. Common uses include during childbirth, following trauma, and as part of end-of-life care. Onset of effect is typically within half a minute, and the effect lasts for about a minute.

There are few side effects, other than vomiting, with short-term use. With long-term use anemia or numbness may occur. It should always be given with at least 21% oxygen. It is not recommended in people with a bowel obstruction or pneumothorax. Use in the early part of pregnancy is not recommended. It is possible to continue breastfeeding following use.

Nitrous oxide was discovered between 1772 and 1793 and used for anesthesia in 1844. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It often comes as a 50/50 mixture with oxygen. Devices with a demand valve are available for self-administration. The setup and maintenance is relatively expensive for developing countries.

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