Nitrous Oxide
Other General Anesthetics
Sold as ALNOX GAS · ENTONOX MEDICINAL GAS · NITRONOX INHALATION GAS · LIQUI-MED ANALGESIC GAS
- Drug class
- Other General Anesthetics
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Respiratory (Inhalation), Inhalation
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 16
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 120
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Nitrous Oxide is classified as an Other General Anesthetic [1]. It is a gas that can be inhaled and is used in medical settings [1].
This active ingredient is available under various brand names [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 120 adverse event reports associated with Nitrous Oxide [2]. The most frequently reported adverse events include Drug Use Disorder, Paraesthesia, Drug Dependence, Substance Use Disorder, and Intentional Product Misuse [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 6 | April 10, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 5 | May 21, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 5 | March 22, 2025 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
6 products
Uses
Nitrous oxide is used: • when an inhalation anaesthetic is required, the administration of Nitrous Oxide is usually accompanied by simultaneous administration of a volatile agent such as halothane, ethrane, etc. • in the relief of severe pain, usually in emergency situations, by inhalation with 50% oxygen • in short-term procedures which inevitably involve pain, such as wound and burn dressing, wound debridement and suturing.
Administered usually with 50% oxygen. • in dental work to provide short-term analgesia for tooth extraction and other brief procedure, administered with 50% oxygen • occasionally as an insufflating agent in laparoscopy • in cryosurgery as a refrigerant
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
5 products
5 products on record with this regulator. Detailed label text (uses, dosage, side effects) is being ingested — the original document is linked under Sources [2].
Most-reported reactions to the US regulator (12 mo to June 4, 2026): 120 reports total. [4]
- Drug Use Disorder 15
- Paraesthesia 15
- Drug Dependence 12
- Substance Use Disorder 10
- Intentional Product Misuse 9
- Mydriasis 9
- Pulmonary Embolism 9
- Tachycardia 9
- Drug Ineffective 7
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency 7
- Agitation
CACanada· Health Canada
5 products
5 products on record with this regulator. Detailed label text (uses, dosage, side effects) is being ingested — the original document is linked under Sources [3].
Brands in Canada (2)
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Nitrous Oxide. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL007355001 · revised April 10, 2026
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 07aa2a86-d01e-47… · revised May 21, 2026 [PDF]
- [3]Health Canada (DPD) · 00572845 · revised March 22, 2025
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.