Name: Nitrous Oxide
Class: General Anesthetic (Anesthetic Gas)
Mechanism: Stabilizes membranes of excitable tissue ® inhibition of action potential (primarily pre-synaptic blockade of synaptic transmission).
Absorption: Inhaled. Poor blood solubility ® Rapid onset of effect (Blood/gas partition coefficient = 0.47). High conc. required for effect (MAC = 101).
Dist.: Dissolves in blood. Organs w/high perfusion are most affected.
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½: Primarily unMetabolism. excretion via lungs.
Toxicity/S.E.s: Low arrhythmia potential. Low level of cardiac depression.
Utility: Used as an adjunct to potentiate anesthesia.
Special Features: Non-irritating, non-flammable. No circulatory depression. Cannot be used alone to produce general anesthesia. Good analgesic. Poor muscle relaxant.