Carbon Dioxide/Oxygen Mix

What is this medication? Carbon dioxide and oxygen mixtures, often referred to as carbogen, are specialized medical gases primarily used to stimulate breathing and increase oxygen delivery to tissues. This combination typically consists of five percent carbon dioxide and ninety-five percent oxygen. By increasing the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, the medication triggers the natural urge to breathe more deeply and rapidly, which can help in resuscitating patients or managing specific respiratory issues. It also acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels to improve circulation in certain parts of the body.

In clinical settings, this mixture is frequently used by healthcare professionals to treat conditions like central retinal artery occlusion by increasing blood flow to the eye. It may also be used during certain radiological procedures or to help manage severe hiccups that have not responded to other treatments. Because it can significantly affect blood pH and respiratory function, it must be administered under close medical supervision using specialized delivery systems to ensure the correct concentration and patient safety.