Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Assist flow of oxygen in patients with severe respiratory obstruction

Dosage

This gas can also be administered with supplemental oxygen at the physician's discretion according to patients' requirements.

It should be administered at a sufficient flow in order to avoid room air entrainment and maintain the desired helium concentration, and at a flow that is sufficient to meet the patient's inspiratory flow rate and volume.

The duration and circumstances of use are at the discretion of the physician.

There is no distinction in the use of helium and oxygen between age groups.

Administration

For inhalation.

The cylinders should only be used in conjunction with medical oxygen gas pressure regulators.

Contraindications

None known

Precautions and Warnings

Treatment to be initiated by medically trained personnel
Monitor blood gases regularly
Monitor respiratory function
Advise patients of fire risk
Strongly supports combustion-avoid naked flames and heat

The patient's respiratory status should be monitored during this therapy, using clinical monitoring and evaluation of blood gas concentration/saturation, and adequate oxygenation must be maintained.

Medicinal gases may cause drying of mucus membranes within the respiratory tract. If use is prolonged, humidification may be required.

The risk for cooling should be taken into account, especially in smaller children.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Helium 79% and oxygen 21% medicinal gas is considered safe for use during pregnancy.

The manufacturer states that there is no published data that indicates this gas adversely affects pregnancy. Animal studies are insufficient with respect to effects on pregnancy, embryonic/foetal development, parturition and postnatal development but in those studies published there is no evidence of harm. There is no adequate data from the use of helium/oxygen gas mixture in pregnant women. Helium is an inert gas with pharmacological effect and it is not absorbed to any significant extent from the lung. Due to its very low solubility in blood as well as other tissues, the systemic exposure is minimal. Consequently this gas does not appear to adversely affect pregnancy.

Lactation

Helium 79% and oxygen 21% medicinal gas is considered safe for use during breastfeeding.

The manufacturer states that there is no published data that indicates this gas adversely affects breastfeeding. Helium is an inert gas with pharmacological effect and it is not absorbed to any significant extent from the lung. Due to its very low solubility in blood as well as other tissues, the systemic exposure is minimal. Consequently this gas does not appear to adversely affect breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Cooling
Drying of mucus membranes in the respiratory tract
High pitched voice

Presentation

Compressed medical gas containing helium 79% (plus/minus 0.5%) and oxygen 21% (plus/minus 0.5%).

Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Assist flow of oxygen in patients with severe respiratory obstruction

Dosage

This gas can also be administered with supplemental oxygen at the physician's discretion according to patients' requirements.

It should be administered at a sufficient flow in order to avoid room air entrainment and maintain the desired helium concentration, and at a flow that is sufficient to meet the patient's inspiratory flow rate and volume.

The duration and circumstances of use are at the discretion of the physician.

There is no distinction in the use of helium and oxygen between age groups.

Administration

For inhalation.

The cylinders should only be used in conjunction with medical oxygen gas pressure regulators.

Contraindications

None known

Precautions and Warnings

Treatment to be initiated by medically trained personnel
Monitor blood gases regularly
Monitor respiratory function
Advise patients of fire risk
Strongly supports combustion-avoid naked flames and heat

The patient's respiratory status should be monitored during this therapy, using clinical monitoring and evaluation of blood gas concentration/saturation, and adequate oxygenation must be maintained.

Medicinal gases may cause drying of mucus membranes within the respiratory tract. If use is prolonged, humidification may be required.

The risk for cooling should be taken into account, especially in smaller children.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Helium 79% and oxygen 21% medicinal gas is considered safe for use during pregnancy.

The manufacturer states that there is no published data that indicates this gas adversely affects pregnancy. Animal studies are insufficient with respect to effects on pregnancy, embryonic/foetal development, parturition and postnatal development but in those studies published there is no evidence of harm. There is no adequate data from the use of helium/oxygen gas mixture in pregnant women. Helium is an inert gas with pharmacological effect and it is not absorbed to any significant extent from the lung. Due to its very low solubility in blood as well as other tissues, the systemic exposure is minimal. Consequently this gas does not appear to adversely affect pregnancy.

Lactation

Helium 79% and oxygen 21% medicinal gas is considered safe for use during breastfeeding.

The manufacturer states that there is no published data that indicates this gas adversely affects breastfeeding. Helium is an inert gas with pharmacological effect and it is not absorbed to any significant extent from the lung. Due to its very low solubility in blood as well as other tissues, the systemic exposure is minimal. Consequently this gas does not appear to adversely affect breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Cooling
Drying of mucus membranes in the respiratory tract
High pitched voice

Overdosage

It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.

The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111

Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).

Further Information

Last Full Review Date: April 2022

Reference Sources

Summary of Product Characteristics: Heliox21. BOC Ltd. Revised May 2016.