Nitrous Oxide

Section 8 - MEDICATION GUIDELINES

ANALGESICS

Nitrous Oxide (NITRONOX) / Analgesic

DESCRIPTION

• It is a relatively weak anesthetic agent with both sedative and analgesic properties.

INDICATIONS

• Pain control for angina, acute abdominal pain, cold injuries, extremity injuries, and burns.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Head injuries, chest injuries, COPD< pulmonary edema, pregnant patients under 20 weeks gestation, suspected bowel obstruction, decompression syndrome, and shock regardless of cause.
• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory depression, or arrest, nausea, vomiting, or euphoria. Pregnant EMS care providers, under 20 weeks gestation, should not be in the presence of NITROUS OXIDE due to the fact that it is an inert gas.

DOSAGE

• Self-administered 50% Oxygen and 50 % Nitrous mixture.