Why is nitrous oxide administered in addition to thiopental sodium?

The administration of nitrous oxide in addition to thiopental sodium mainly serves to enhance the overall effectiveness of the sedation and analgesia provided during procedures. When these two agents are used together, they often allow for a reduction in the dosage required of each individual drug, minimizing potential side effects while achieving a desirable level of anesthesia.

Thiopental sodium is a barbiturate that induces rapid anesthesia, but when combined with nitrous oxide, which provides analgesia and sedation, the two work synergistically. This collaboration between drugs can result in a more effective overall anesthetic effect than either would provide alone, enabling clinicians to maintain a safe and comfortable experience for patients.

While nitrous oxide can provide some anesthesia, it is often used in combination with other agents for a more profound effect. Thus, the statement regarding the increase in effectiveness at lower dosages very much aligns with the clinical practice of anesthesia.