Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is used as an adjuvant for general anesthesia, an anesthetic and analgesic agent for minor procedures, and a propellant in many commercial products, such as whipped cream and cooking oil spray. (“Whippets” are small cartridges of nitrous oxide that can be purchased at restaurant supply stores, grocery convenience stores, and “head shops.”) Nitrous oxide is used by many US dentists, in some cases without adequate scavenging equipment. Abuse of nitrous oxide is not uncommon in the medical and dental professions.

1. 
   

   Mechanism of toxicity

   
   
   
   
   1. 
      

      Acute toxicity after exposure to nitrous oxide is caused mainly by asphyxia if adequate oxygen is not supplied with the gas.

      
      
   2. 
      

      Chronic toxicity to the hematologic and nervous systems results from inactivation of vitamin B12 after irreversible oxidation of its cobalt atom. Vitamin B12

      Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

      Share this:

      • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
      • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

      Related

      Related posts:

      Anesthetics, Local Special Considerations in Pediatric Patients Anticonvulsants, Newer Emergency Evaluation and Treatment Beta2-Adrenergic Stimulants Copper
      

      Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

      Join