What are the risks and benefits of using Entonox?

Benefits

Entonox is quick-acting with minimal after-effects and it can be used together with your normal painkillers. You will be in control.

Risks

There are minimal risks involved with the administration of Entonox.

The main concern is that the gas might get trapped in the body – this is only a problem if you have specific medical conditions. The nurses will assess you carefully before you have the Entonox and will not give it if there is any risk that this may happen.

You may become very sleepy using Entonox. A nurse will be with you when you are using Entonox and will take it away if this happens. You will wake up quickly after the Entonox is stopped.

What is Entonox?

Entonox is a gas that you may be offered during painful procedures, for example changing a dressing or putting on a plaster cast.

It consists of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is sometimes used for anaesthetics, but this combination works as a short-acting painkiller.

Entonox is sometimes called “gas and air” or “laughing gas” and is most commonly used by women in labour. It is safe to use in pregnancy

As Entonox is short acting it can be used as a painkiller for any procedure that requires short-term pain relief or it can be used whilst waiting for other painkillers to work.

Are there any side effects?

Entonox may make you feel drowsy and a little light-headed. Other possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, tingling fingers and a dry mouth.

These side effects will go when you stop using Entonox.

Most patients find that if they persevere and concentrate on breathing slowly then they quickly get used to these sensations.

However if when you are practising using the Entonox you decide you do not like the effects, tell the person giving it to you and an alternative painkiller can be arranged.

Before you can be given Entonox the nurse will ask you certain questions to make sure that it is appropriate for you to use.

Please tell the nurse if you:

·  Have, or have recently had, an ear infection or an operation on your ears?

·  Have you recently had eye surgery with gas bubble insertion?

·  Have been scuba diving in the last 2 days?

·  Have emphysema or chronic breathing problems (eg chronic bronchitis or chronic asthma)

How do I use Entonox?

You will be shown the Entonox equipment and be able to practice before the procedure starts.

The Entonox is inhaled through a disposable mouth piece, this is attached to a handset and tubing. Hold the mouth piece between your teeth and close your lips around it, to ensure a good seal.

You will have complete control over how often you use the Entonox during the procedure.

Entonox works rapidly. You should start using Entonox 2-3 minutes before the procedure starts. This allows time for it to work. To get the best effect you need to take slow breaths, slightly deeper than normal.

What can or can’t I do afterwards?

After using Entonox the effect will wear off quickly

You will be allowed home and may be able to drive after 30 minutes of receiving Entonox.

Please tell the nurse if you still have pain after using the Entonox.

Is there an alternative?

If you are not able to have Entonox then alternative painkillers will be discussed with you by the nurses and doctors.