Equanox/Entonox. An information guide

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1 TO PROVIDE THE VERY BEST CARE FOR EACH PATIENT ON EVERY OCCASION Equanox/Entonox An information guide

2 Equanox/Entonox What is Equanox/Entonox? Equanox/Entonox is a gas which is made up of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen. You may have heard of it referred to as laughing gas or gas and air, commonly used in childbirth or by the dentist. It is a pain and anxiety relieving gas. It is self-administered which gives you complete control over the timing of the pain. What are the benefits of using it? Entonox is used to reduce the pain and anxiety created by short duration procedures, for example wound dressing changes, examination of wound or fractures, labour pains and physiotherpy. Are there any risks? If used continuously for more than 24 hours or more frequently than once every our days, the process by which the body forms blood cells may be damaged. People with low level vitamin B12 or strict vegetarians may be more at risk, as nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12, which is used in making blood cells. 2

3 How do I use Equanox/Entonox? Before the start of your procedure, your healthcare professional will tell you how to use the Equanox/Entonox equipment correctly. You have the choice of choosing either a facemask or a mouthpiece. If you choose a facemask, hold it over your mouth and nose, keeping an airtight seal. Breathe in and out normally. If you choose a mouthpiece, hold it between your teeth and close your lips around the mouthpiece. Breathe in and out through your mouth only. Concentrate on breathing normally throughout the procedure. You can practice using the Equanox/Entonox before the procedure starts. When do I start using the Equanox/Entonox? A healthcare professional will advise you when to start using it. He or she will also supervise you when you are taking the gas. Take at least four breaths before the procedure starts. Continue to use the Equanox/Entonox as you need it throughout the procedure. If the use of Equanox/Entonox is unsatisfactory at any stage we can give you alternative pain relief. 3

4 How soon does Equanox/Entonox take effect? Equanox/Entonox does not work immediately. It takes about 20 seconds to take effect, with full relief after about a minute. It is important to continue using the Equanox/Entonox as you need it throughout the procedure, and to breathe in and out normally. Are there any side effects? There are some possible side effects whilst using Equanox/ Entonox.These are light headedness nausea very occasionally a tingling sensation usually in the fingers. This is harmless and will disappear when you stop breathing the gas. How soon does the Equanox/Entonox wear off? Equanox/Entonox works only when you breathe it in. The gas is very short acting and its effects wear off very quickly once you have stopped breathing it. It will normally take 2-3 minutes to get out of your system. However, you should rest for about 30 minutes before you start to walk around again. As a safety precaution, it is advisable not to drive or operate machinery for 12 hours afterwards. Will I be able to use Equanox/Entonox? Equanox/Entonox is normally available if you wish to use it, but it is not suitable for everyone. A healthcare professional will assess you first. 4

5 Are there any alternatives? You may prefer not to use Equanox/Entonox at all. If so, your doctor or nurse will discuss other forms of pain relief with you, such as oral medication or injections. If you have any further questions about Equanox/Entonox, do not hesitate to ask your healthcare professional who is looking after you. Reference section For further information on the referencing used in this leaflet please visit our website 5

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8 If English is not your frst language and you need help, please contact the Ethnic Health Team on Jeżeli angielski nie jest twoim pierwszym językiem i potrzebujesz pomocy proszę skontaktować się z załogą Ethnic Health pod numerem telefonu For general enquiries please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on For enquiries regarding clinic appointments, clinical care and treatment please contact and the Switchboard Operator will put you through to the correct department / service Date of publication: March 2006 Date of review: February 2014 Date of next review: February 2017 Ref: PI_DS_234 The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Wood pulp sourced from sustainable forests