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xenon

V04CX12

Forms & Strengths

Inhalation gas: 100% xenon (medical grade)
Inhalation gas mixture: Xenon mixed with oxygen (e.g., 50/50 or 80/20 ratio)

Adult Dosing

General anesthesia induction: Inhalation via closed-circuit anesthesia machine, typically 50-70% xenon with 30-50% oxygen.
Diagnostic imaging (MRI): Inhalation of hyperpolarized xenon-129 gas using specialized MRI chest coils for pulmonary ventilation imaging.

Pediatric Dosing

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients under 18 years are not fully established; use is generally restricted to specialized clinical trial or investigational settings.

Indications

Inhalation general anesthetic for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.
Diagnostic agent for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of pulmonary ventilation using hyperpolarized xenon-129.

Mechanism of Action

Acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, inhibiting excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system.
Modulates two-pore-domain potassium channels (TREK-1) and exhibits minimal cardiovascular depression compared to other inhalational anesthetics.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to xenon gas.
Conditions where expansion of enclosed gas pockets may be hazardous (e.g., tension pneumothorax, severe bowel obstruction, air embolism) due to its higher density and diffusion characteristics.
Lack of equipment capable of delivering adequate oxygen alongside xenon (risk of hypoxia).

Adverse Reactions

Nausea and vomiting upon emergence
Postoperative dizziness and fatigue
Transient bradycardia or hypotension
Hypoxia if oxygen delivery is insufficiently monitored during closed-circuit administration

Drug Interactions

Potentiates the sedative and anesthetic effects of opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and volatile anesthetics.
Concomitant use with other CNS depressants may increase the risk of respiratory depression and cardiovascular instability.

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use