Therefore, it should not be used in low flow systems. A minimal fresh gas flow of two liters per minute is required. Due to its low solubility in blood and therefore rapid induction of anesthesia it is often used for mask induction especially of pediatric patients. It replaces in many hospitals halothane for this purpose. Rapid elimination results in quick awakening.
Nitrous oxide is a week anesthetic.
It is used to supplement inhalation agents. It is the only inhalation anesthetic with sympathomimetic activity. It should not be used in doses higher than 70 percent combined with 30 percent oxygen. It is known to diffuse into air containing spaces and to increase the pressure in such cavities. 100 percent oxygen should be administered during awakening in order to avoid diffusion hypoxia.