N₂O, a flammable, anesthetic and analgesic gas, used in both general and outpatient dental anesthesia. Its use has been associated with miscarriage, organ injuries, and dependence and abuse, although the data linking nitrous oxide to these problems are controversial. The informal name of nitrous oxide is laughing gas.
SYN: SEE: dinitrogen monoxide.
CAS # 10024-97-2

Nitrous oxide has little or no effect on body temperature, metabolism, blood pressure, volume, or composition, or on the genitourinary system. Diaphoresis, increased muscle tone, or both may occur with induction of anesthesia with nitrous oxide.

Asphyxiation may occur if it is not administered properly. Prolonged administration of nitrous oxide will cause depression of bone marrow.

SYMPTOMS
Signs of deep nitrous oxide anesthesia include a slight increase in respirations and some dyspnea. The pupils become fixed and dilated, and there is muscular rigidity and cyanosis that increases to a grayish pallor.

TREATMENT
Patients suffering from an overdose should be oxygenated and ventilated.