Entonox
Pronunciation: EN-tuh-noks
A 50:50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen used for labor analgesia and procedural pain relief.
Full Definition
Entonox is a premixed gas containing equal parts nitrous oxide and oxygen (50% each) commonly used for pain relief during labor and delivery. It provides rapid onset and offset analgesia that allows parturients to self-administer pain relief during contractions. The gas is delivered through a demand valve system that requires patient effort to activate, ensuring safety through patient control. Entonox is particularly popular in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, though less commonly used in the United States where epidural anesthesia is more prevalent.
Usage
Usage note: Trade name should be capitalized; generic term 'nitrous oxide and oxygen' is acceptable alternative.
In Context
- "The midwife offered Entonox as an alternative to epidural anesthesia for labor pain management." — Labor and delivery note
- "Patient declined Entonox due to previous experience with nausea from nitrous oxide." — Anesthetic consultation