ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/nitrous-oxide
US brand names:N2O
NMDA receptor antagonist with analgesic and anxiolytic properties. Low potency (MAC >100%) so used as adjunct to reduce requirements of other inhalants.
Second gas effect. Diffusion hypoxia during recovery — give 100% O2 for 5 min after discontinuation. Contraindicated with pneumothorax/GDV (gas-filled spaces expand). Expands air-filled viscera.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | INHALATION | Dosing: 50-66% of inspired gas | Continuous during anesthesia | Moderate | Duke T, Caulkett NA and Tataryn JM (2006) The effect of nitrous oxide on halothane, isoflurane... (BSAVA Nitrous oxide monograph reference, Part A p.287) — Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.303 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | INHALATION | Dosing: 50-66% of inspired gas | Continuous during anesthesia | Moderate | Duke T, Caulkett NA and Tataryn JM (2006) The effect of nitrous oxide on halothane, isoflurane... (BSAVA Nitrous oxide monograph reference, Part A p.287) — Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.303 (2026-08-01). |
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