Nitrous oxide is administered by inhalation, absorbed by diffusion through the lungs, and eliminated via respiration. The elimination half life of nitrous oxide is approximately 5 minutes. It is excreted essentially unchanged (ie, nonmetabolized) via the lungs; less than 0.004% is actually metabolized in humans.
It is transported in blood as free gas; it does not combine with hemoglobin, and it does not undergo biotransformation. Elimination occurs by expiration in a manner that is precisely the reverse of uptake and distribution, and its low solubility allows nitrous oxide to be removed rapidly.
It is the molecular compound Nitric Oxide (not Nitrous Oxide)
Nitrogen has many oxides like Nitrogen dioxide, Nitrous oxide, etc. Nitrogen monoxide refers to a single compound with formula NO. Whereas Nitrogen oxide can refer any higher or lower oxide of nitrogen. It can refer to Nitrous oxide, Nitric oxide, Dinitrogen trioxide, etc.
NO is the simplest oxide of nitrogen.
Nitrogen oxide forms when nitrogen reacts with oxygen. The word equation for this reaction is: nitrogen + oxygen → nitrogen oxide.
The symbol for nitrogen oxide is NO.
Nitrogen dioxide NO2 Nitrogen(IV) oxide
Nitrogen(IV) oxide is N2O4.
Nitrogen oxide is composed of the elements, nitrogen and oxygen.
Nitrogen oxide can enter the body through inhalation of polluted air or occupational exposure in industries where it is used. Once inhaled, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and affect various organs and systems in the body.
Nitrogen(IV) oxide is N2O4.
Nitric oxide or nitrogen monoxide is a chemical compound with chemical formula NO. This gas is an important signaling molecule in the body of mammals, including humans, and is an extremely important intermediate in the chemical industry. It is also a toxic air pollutant produced by cigarette smoke automobile engines and power plants.Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitric_oxide