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Contraindications to the Use of Nitrous Oxide for Procedural Sedation

Description

A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen can be used for conscious sedation. It is generally safe with a small risk of major adverse events (0.33% in France). The presence of certain conditions may help identify patients at increased risk for complications from the its use. The Agence Francaise de Securite Sanitaire des Produits de Sante (France's Drug Agency) has issued strict guidelines for its use.


 

Formulation in France: 50%:50% mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen

 

Absolute contraindications for the use of nitrous oxide:

(1) CNS disorders

(1a) intracranial hypertension

(1b) unconsciousness

(2) accumulation of gas in a closed body space

(2a) pneumothorax

(2b) sinusitis

(2c) intestinal ileus

 

Contraindications for administration by non-physicians (except nurse anesthetists):

(1) child < 4 years of age

(2) child on psychotropic drugs

(3) child with an underlying condition causing impaired respiratory function

(4) child with an underlying condition causing impaired cerebral function

 

where:

• In the implementation I extended the last 3 contraindications for non-trained administrators to all ages.

 


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Specialty

ICD-10