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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Manitoba
RECRUITINGWinnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9, Canada
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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