(Optional medication – not required in every BioTel agency)
Indications:
- Adjunct analgesic for ischemic chest pain (other agents preferred)
- Severe pain or discomfort in all patients without contraindications (other agents preferred)
- NOTE: As of July 15, 2014 this medication is not currently carried by any BioTel agency. It is retained as an optional medication for possible future reintroduction to relevant Treatment Guidelines and/or Procedures, in the event of unforeseen narcotic shortages or other contingencies.
Contraindications:
- Any altered level of consciousness or head injury
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Chest trauma or actual/suspected pneumothorax
- Abdominal trauma
- Major facial trauma
- Acutely psychotic patients
- Pregnancy, other than active labor
- Any patient (adult or pediatric) unable to self-administer
- Decompression sickness
Precautions:
- Must be self-administered
- Check machine gauges daily for proper concentrations
- Monitor blood pressure and pulse oximetry values during administration
Side Effects:
- Hypotension
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
Adult Dose: Instruct patient to inhale deeply through patient-held mask or mouthpiece
Pediatric Dose: Instruct patient to inhale deeply through patient-held mask or mouthpiece
Route: Inhalation
Drug Action:
- Depresses the central nervous system
- Increases oxygen tension in the blood thereby reducing hypoxia
Class: Gaseous Analgesic/Anesthetic
Onset: 2 minutes - 5 minutes
Duration: 2 minutes - 5 minutes