Oxygen

Pronunciation

(OKS i jen)

Generic Available

Yes

Use

Treatment of various clinical disorders, both respiratory and nonrespiratory; relief of arterial hypoxia and secondary complications; treatment of pulmonary hypertension, polycythemia secondary to hypoxemia, chronic disease states complicated by anemia, cancer, migraine headaches, coronary artery disease, seizure disorders, sickle-cell crisis, and sleep apnea

Use - Dental

Administered as a supplement with nitrous oxide to ensure adequate ventilation during sedation; a resuscitative agent for medical emergencies in dental office

Pregnancy Risk Factor

No data reported

Contraindications

No data reported

Warnings/Precautions

Oxygen-induced hypoventilation is the greatest potential hazard of oxygen therapy. In patients with severe COPD, the respiratory drive results from hypoxic stimulation of the carotid chemoreceptors. If this hypoxic drive is diminished by excessive oxygen therapy, hypoventilation may occur and further carbon dioxide retention with possible cessation of ventilation.

Adverse Reactions

No data reported

Drug Interactions

No data reported

Mechanism of Action

Increased oxygen in tidal volume and oxygenation of tissues at molecular level

Dosage

Children and Adults: Average rate of 2 L/minute

Cardiovascular Considerations

Low levels of oxygen may hold promise in the management of patients with heart failure and Cheyne-Stokes breathing.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Dosage Forms

Liquid system with large reservoir holding 75-100 lb of liquid oxygen; compressed gas system consisting of high-pressure tank; tank sizes are "H" (6900 L of oxygen), "E" (622 L of oxygen) and "D" (356 L of oxygen)