Could laughing gas replace opioids for burn victims?

NCT ID NCT03695887

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether disposable nitrous oxide (laughing gas) canisters can reduce pain and anxiety during burn dressing changes. Thirty adult burn patients will try both the gas and a placebo in random order. The goal is to see if this offers a safer alternative to high-dose narcotics.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a safer, non-narcotic option for managing intense pain during burn dressing changes.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small pilot study (30 people). It may not show a clear benefit, and nitrous oxide can cause side effects like nausea or dizziness.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Acute Pain burn Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Manitoba

    RECRUITING

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9, Canada

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact