Route of administration Disadvantages over nitrous oxide sedation

Oral • Cannot titrate the drug• Delay in onset• Varying response due to difference in gastric absorption• No oral reversal drug present• Longer pre-procedural fasting required

Intramuscular • Difficult for patients who are needle phobic• Can cause muscular pain• Over sedation possible • Longer pre-procedural fasting requiredIntravenous • Difficult for patients who are needle phobic• Over sedation possible• Longer pre-procedural fasting required

Intranasal • Difficult to administer• Can cause burning sensation in nasal mucosa• Over sedation possible

Nitrous oxide is not suitable for procedures that are long or invasive because its effect is of short duration. In some cases, the use of nitrous oxide can cause nausea and vomiting, especially if used in high doses, and can cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, sweating, chills and fatigue. Excessive use or abuse of administration can cause brain damage and other serious side effects . For its administration, it is necessary to ask the patient's medical history to know if he/she has cardiovascular diseases, since the gas can increase the heart rate and respiratory frequency, increasing the oxygen demand of the heart. If the patient is allergic to the gas administered, there may be skin rashes accompanied by urticaria, as well as difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing, a possible sign of bronchospasm or inflammation of the airways.The patient may present with swelling of the face, tongue or throat . Gas allergy may cause a decrease in blood oxygen level, which may cause heart palpitations along with other symptoms. When these manifestations occur, it is necessary to discontinue administration and be intervened by emergency physicians for early treatment to avoid serious complications . Nitrous oxide is a gas used in dental and minor surgical procedures for its analgesic and anesthetic effects. It is administered through a nasal mask, which minimizes the risk of needle infection. In addition, it is safe and does not affect breathing, which makes it suitable for patients with respiratory diseases and dental phobia. However, its effect is short-lived, it is not suitable for long or invasive procedures and may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness.