Entonox
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Entonox: Swift and Safe Pain Management
Understanding Entonox
Storage, Composition, and Clinical Applications
Storage in Medical Cylinders
- Distinct Cylinder Appearance: Recognizable by their blue body and white shoulders.
Composition
- Equal Oxygen-Nitrous Oxide Mix: A balanced blend of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide.
Clinical Applications
- Fast-Acting Analgesic: Rapid pain relief with minimal side effects.
- Indications: Administered to alleviate moderate to severe pain, including labor pains.
Contraindications
- Risk of Decompression Sickness: Avoid use within 24 hours after scuba diving, as Entonox can promote nitrogen bubble expansion.
- Other Contraindications: Not suitable for patients with severe head injuries and impaired consciousness or those with violently disturbed psychiatric conditions.
Cautions
- Pneumothorax Risk: Exercise caution when administering to patients at risk of pneumothorax.
Administration
- Patient Self-Administration: Patients are trained to use Entonox with a mouthpiece after proper instruction.
- Onset of Action: Typically, it takes three to five minutes to become effective, with the maximum effects achieved in five to 10 minutes.