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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Oxygen-nitrogen Mixture
Brand Name
Oxygen-nitrogen Mixture
Generic Name
Oxygen-nitrogen Mixture
Active Ingredient
OxygenCategory
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
7
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Oxygen-nitrogen Mixture, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| 600 mL/L | GAS | RESPIRATORY (INHALATION) | 46123-532 |
| 800 mL/L | GAS | RESPIRATORY (INHALATION) | 46123-533 |
| 500 mL/L | GAS | RESPIRATORY (INHALATION) | 46123-531 |
| 250 mL/L | GAS | RESPIRATORY (INHALATION) | 46123-528 |
Detailed information about Oxygen-nitrogen Mixture
Oxygen is a medical gas used to treat hypoxemia and various respiratory conditions. Classified as a medical gas and therapeutic agent, it is essential for cellular metabolism and life-sustaining processes.
Dosage for medical oxygen is not measured in milligrams but in flow rate (Liters per Minute, LPM) or concentration (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen, FiO2). The goal of therapy is typically to maintain an oxygen saturation (SpO2) within a specific target range.
Oxygen is used in children and neonates, but with extreme caution. In premature infants, high levels of oxygen can lead to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Healthcare providers typically aim for SpO2 targets of 91-95% in this population. Flow rates are often much lower, sometimes measured in fractions of a liter (e.g., 0.5 LPM).
No dosage adjustment is required for patients with kidney disease, as oxygen is not cleared by the kidneys.
No dosage adjustment is required for patients with liver disease.
Elderly patients may have a lower baseline PaO2 due to age-related changes in lung function. Dosing should be titrated to clinical response and pulse oximetry. Care should be taken to monitor for skin breakdown around the ears and nose from tubing.
Oxygen must be administered using a delivery device prescribed by a doctor. Common devices include:
Storage and Safety:
If you are on long-term oxygen therapy and miss a period of use, resume your prescribed flow rate as soon as possible. Do not 'double up' the flow rate to make up for lost time. Prolonged absence from prescribed oxygen can lead to strain on the heart and brain.
Oxygen 'overdose' is known as oxygen toxicity. It occurs when a patient breathes high concentrations (usually >60%) for extended periods. Symptoms include:
In patients with chronic lung disease, too much oxygen can cause 'oxygen-induced hypercapnia,' where breathing slows down too much, leading to a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide. If you feel excessively sleepy, confused, or have a severe headache, seek emergency medical attention.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your flow rate without medical guidance.
Most side effects of oxygen therapy are related to the drying effect of the gas on the mucous membranes. These include:
Oxygen is not flammable itself, but it is an 'oxidizer,' meaning it makes everything else burn much faster and hotter. A spark that would normally go out can turn into a life-threatening fire in an oxygen-rich environment. Patients must be educated on fire safety before starting home therapy.
No FDA black box warnings for Oxygen.
There are very few absolute contraindications for oxygen, as it is essential for life. However, certain conditions make its use extremely dangerous:
These are conditions where the benefit must be carefully weighed against the risk:
Oxygen is safe and essential during pregnancy. Maternal hypoxemia can lead to fetal distress, growth restriction, and preterm birth. There is no evidence that supplemental oxygen at standard therapeutic doses is teratogenic (causes birth defects). In fact, oxygen is frequently used during labor and delivery to treat fetal heart rate decelerations. It is classified as FDA Category A (safe when used as indicated).
Oxygen does not pass into breast milk in a way that would affect a nursing infant. It is entirely safe for breastfeeding mothers to use oxygen therapy as prescribed. Maintaining maternal oxygenation is vital for the mother's ability to care for her child.
Oxygen is widely used in pediatrics for conditions like bronchiolitis, asthma, and pneumonia. However, the 'safe' range for oxygen saturation in children is narrower than in adults. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), oxygen is treated with extreme caution to prevent oxygen-induced tissue damage. Pediatric delivery devices (smaller cannulas and masks) must be used to ensure proper fit and dead-space ventilation.
Oxygen's primary mechanism is the support of aerobic cellular respiration. It enters the mitochondria and acts as the final electron acceptor in the Cytochrome C Oxidase complex (Complex IV) of the electron transport chain. This allows for the maintenance of the proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP synthase to produce ATP. Without sufficient oxygen, cells switch to anaerobic glycolysis, which produces significantly less energy and results in the buildup of lactic acid.
The relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and the saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2) is described by the Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve. This S-shaped curve shows that at high pressures, hemoglobin is fully saturated. As blood reaches tissues with lower oxygen levels, the curve shifts, allowing hemoglobin to release oxygen. Factors like temperature, pH (Bohr Effect), and CO2 levels influence how tightly hemoglobin holds onto oxygen.
| Parameter | Value |
Common questions about Oxygen-nitrogen Mixture
Medical oxygen is primarily used to treat hypoxemia, a condition where there is insufficient oxygen in the blood to support vital organ function. It is commonly prescribed for chronic conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and severe asthma, as well as acute emergencies like heart attacks or pneumonia. Additionally, it is a specialized treatment for cluster headaches and carbon monoxide poisoning. By increasing the amount of oxygen inhaled, it reduces the workload on the heart and prevents tissue damage. Your doctor will determine the appropriate flow rate based on your specific blood oxygen levels.
The most frequent side effects of oxygen therapy involve dryness of the respiratory tract and skin irritation. Because the gas is delivered under pressure and is very dry, it often causes a dry or bloody nose, a scratchy throat, and a persistent dry cough. Many patients also develop redness or small sores behind their ears where the plastic tubing rests. To manage these effects, healthcare providers often recommend using a humidifier bottle attached to the oxygen source or applying water-based lubricants to the nostrils. It is important to avoid petroleum-based products like Vaseline, as they pose a fire risk.
While there is no chemical interaction between oxygen and alcohol, drinking alcohol while on oxygen therapy can be dangerous. Alcohol is a respiratory depressant, meaning it slows down your breathing rate and can make breaths shallower. For patients already suffering from lung disease, this can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, which oxygen therapy alone cannot fix. Furthermore, alcohol can impair your judgment, making you less likely to follow critical fire safety protocols. It is best to consult your healthcare provider about whether any amount of alcohol is safe for your specific condition.
Yes, medical oxygen is considered safe and is often essential during pregnancy if the mother has low oxygen levels. Maintaining adequate oxygenation is crucial for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus, as maternal hypoxemia can lead to complications like low birth weight or fetal distress. Oxygen is frequently administered in hospital settings during labor if there are signs that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen. It does not cause birth defects when used at standard medical doses. However, like any medical treatment during pregnancy, it should only be used under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional.
Medical oxygen works almost instantaneously once inhalation begins. As soon as the oxygen-enriched air reaches the alveoli in the lungs, it diffuses into the bloodstream and binds to hemoglobin within seconds. Patients with acute shortness of breath often feel relief within a few breaths, although it may take several minutes for pulse oximetry readings (SpO2) to stabilize and reflect the new oxygen level. For chronic conditions, the 'work' of oxygen is ongoing, providing a constant support system for the heart and brain. If you do not feel an improvement in your symptoms shortly after starting your prescribed flow, contact your doctor.
You should never stop or change your oxygen therapy without consulting your doctor first. If oxygen was prescribed for a chronic condition like COPD or heart failure, your body has likely become dependent on that supplemental flow to maintain organ function. Stopping suddenly can cause your blood oxygen levels to drop dangerously low, leading to extreme fatigue, confusion, and strain on your heart. In some cases, this can trigger a medical emergency. If you feel you no longer need oxygen, your doctor will perform tests, such as a walking oximetry test, to see if your body can maintain safe levels on its own.
If you are on continuous oxygen therapy and realize you have been off it for a period, you should put your cannula or mask back on immediately at your prescribed flow rate. Do not increase the flow rate to 'catch up,' as this can be dangerous, especially for patients with COPD who are at risk of carbon dioxide retention. Monitor yourself for symptoms like increased shortness of breath, dizziness, or a bluish tint to the lips. If you feel fine, simply continue with your regular schedule. If you experience severe symptoms after being off your oxygen, seek medical attention immediately.
Oxygen therapy itself does not cause weight gain. In fact, for many patients with chronic lung disease, supplemental oxygen can actually help stabilize weight by reducing the massive amount of energy the body spends just trying to breathe. However, some patients might notice weight changes due to decreased physical activity or the use of other medications, such as steroids (like prednisone), which are often prescribed alongside oxygen for lung conditions. If you notice sudden weight gain or swelling in your ankles, it could be a sign of heart strain (cor pulmonale) and should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Oxygen is generally safe to use with most medications, but there are a few critical exceptions. It can interact dangerously with the chemotherapy drug Bleomycin and the heart medication Amiodarone, potentially increasing the risk of lung scarring. It is also vital to tell your doctor if you are taking any sedatives, opioid pain medications, or sleep aids, as these can slow your breathing and interfere with the effectiveness of your oxygen therapy. Always provide your healthcare team with a complete list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements you are using to ensure there are no hidden risks.
Oxygen is a chemical element and is essentially the same regardless of the supplier, provided it meets the FDA's purity standards of at least 99.0%. While it isn't 'generic' in the way a pill is, it is provided by many different medical gas companies and home oxygen providers. The 'brand' usually refers to the company providing the equipment (like a specific brand of oxygen concentrator) rather than the gas itself. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover oxygen therapy if specific medical criteria are met, regardless of which supplier provides the gas.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Oxygen)
> Warning: Stop taking Oxygen and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Prolonged use of high-concentration oxygen (above 50-60%) can lead to permanent lung damage, including pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung tissue). However, for patients on standard low-flow home oxygen (1-3 LPM), the benefits of preventing heart failure (cor pulmonale) and brain hypoxia generally far outweigh the risks of long-term side effects. Chronic use can also lead to a psychological dependence on the device.
There are currently no FDA Black Box Warnings for medical oxygen. However, there are strict regulatory warnings regarding its status as a high-pressure gas and an oxidizer. The primary 'warning' is the extreme risk of fire and explosion if used near heat sources or combustible materials.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. If you notice your skin or lips turning blue (cyanosis) despite using oxygen, this is a medical emergency.
Patients on oxygen therapy require regular monitoring to ensure the treatment is both safe and effective:
Oxygen therapy itself does not impair the ability to drive. However, the underlying condition requiring oxygen (such as severe lung disease) may cause fatigue or dizziness. Additionally, portable oxygen tanks must be secured in the vehicle to prevent them from becoming projectiles in an accident.
Alcohol is a respiratory depressant. Combining alcohol with oxygen therapy in patients with severe lung disease can increase the risk of hypoventilation (dangerously slow breathing) and CO2 buildup. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Do not stop using oxygen therapy abruptly if it was prescribed for a chronic condition. For patients with COPD, stopping oxygen can lead to acute right-sided heart failure and severe hypoxemia. Tapering is generally not required for the gas itself, but the underlying condition must be stable before oxygen is withdrawn.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Oxygen.
There are no known direct food interactions with medical oxygen. However, patients should avoid heavy meals that cause abdominal bloating, as this can push up on the diaphragm and make breathing more difficult, increasing the need for oxygen.
There are no documented interactions between oxygen and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort or Ginkgo Biloba. However, supplements that have sedative properties (e.g., Valerian root, Kava) should be used cautiously as they may depress the respiratory drive.
Oxygen therapy will directly affect Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) results. It is essential for the lab to know the FiO2 (concentration) the patient was receiving at the time the blood was drawn to interpret the results correctly. High oxygen levels can also occasionally interfere with certain electrochemical sensors used in glucose monitoring, though this is rare with modern equipment.
For each major interaction, the mechanism is usually related to oxidative stress. Oxygen facilitates the production of free radicals which, in the presence of certain drugs like Bleomycin, cause direct DNA damage to lung cells (pneumocytes). The clinical consequence is often rapid-onset respiratory failure. Management involves using the lowest possible oxygen concentration to maintain adequate saturation (usually SpO2 88-92%).
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
There is no cross-sensitivity for oxygen, as it is a naturally occurring element. However, some patients may be sensitive to the materials used in delivery devices, such as latex in certain masks or PVC in tubing. If a rash or irritation develops, 'latex-free' or 'medical-grade silicone' alternatives should be used.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Oxygen.
Elderly patients are the most frequent users of long-term oxygen therapy. Special considerations include:
No dose adjustment is needed. However, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis may have fluid overload, which can lead to pulmonary edema and an increased need for supplemental oxygen.
No dose adjustment is needed. In rare cases of 'Hepatopulmonary Syndrome,' liver disease causes blood vessels in the lungs to dilate, leading to severe hypoxemia that requires high-flow oxygen therapy.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 100% (Inhaled) |
| Protein Binding | 98% (to Hemoglobin) |
| Half-life | Seconds to Minutes |
| Tmax | Immediate |
| Metabolism | Cellular Respiration |
| Excretion | Exhaled as CO2 |
Oxygen is classified as a Medical Gas. It is also considered a Respiratory Stimulant/Support Agent. Within the context of the provided data, it may be grouped under various allergenic or contrast EPCs due to administrative mapping, but its clinical utility is defined by its role in gas exchange and metabolic support.