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Self-Administered Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide acts as a dissociative anesthetic and analgesic by antagonizing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the central nervous system.
Nitrous oxide acts as a dissociative anesthetic and analgesic by antagonizing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the central nervous system. Used for Acute pain relief and anxiolysis in medical settings, Procedural sedation and analgesia.
At a glance
| Generic name | Self-Administered Nitrous Oxide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | nitrous oxide |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center |
| Drug class | Inhalational anesthetic and analgesic |
| Target | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia and Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an inhalational gas that produces anesthesia and analgesia through non-competitive antagonism of NMDA glutamate receptors. It also enhances inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission and may modulate monoamine systems. When self-administered in controlled settings, it provides rapid onset analgesia and mild sedation with quick recovery upon discontinuation.
Approved indications
- Acute pain relief and anxiolysis in medical settings
- Procedural sedation and analgesia
Common side effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dissociation or altered mental status
- Nausea
- Vitamin B12 depletion with chronic use
- Peripheral neuropathy with prolonged exposure
Key clinical trials
- Use of Nitrous Oxide for Pain and Anxiety Management During Cervical Cerclage Removal- A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study (NA)
- A Pilot Study to Assess Effects of Self-Administered Nitrous Oxide (SANO) on Urodynamic Study (UDS) Parameters (PHASE4)
- Self-Adjusted Nitrous Oxide: A Feasibility Study in the Setting of Vasectomy (PHASE4)
- A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Nitrous Oxide During In-office Bladder Botox Injections (PHASE4)
- A Trial of Self-Adjusted Nitrous Versus Placebo During Office Vasectomy (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Use of Nitrous Oxide During Office Hysteroscopy (NA)
- Self-Administered Nitrous Oxide (SANO) During Transrectal Prostate Biopsy to Reduce Patient Anxiety and Pain (PHASE4)
- Pethidine Versus Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief During Labor (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Self-Administered Nitrous Oxide CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Self-Administered Nitrous Oxide updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center portfolio CI