Overview
Nitrous oxide is a potent anesthetic and analgesic used in surgical and dental procedures. The EP monograph for N₂O enforces strict limits on nitric oxides and moisture due to their potential for toxicity and decomposition.
EP Monograph Requirements
- Purity: ≥98%
- Impurities: NO, NO₂, CO, moisture
- Tests: Spectrophotometry for identification; chemiluminescence for NOx; IR/NDIR for CO; electrolytic hygrometer for H₂O.
Testing Techniques
- Infrared spectroscopy (N₂O identity)
- Chemiluminescence (NO/NO₂)
- Electrolytic hygrometer (moisture)
- NDIR (CO content)
- UV absorption for trace contaminants
Applications
- General anesthesia
- Emergency analgesia
- Pain management during labor
- Use in combination with O₂ for sedation
