Medical gases.

§ 201.161 Medical gases. (a) Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, and nitrous oxide gases intended for drug use, and medically appropriate combinations of any of these gases intended for drug use, are exempted from the requirements of § 201.100(b)(2) and (3), and (c)(1), provided that, where applicable, the requirements of §§ 201.328 and 211.94(e)(2) of this chapter are met and the labeling bears, in addition to any other information required by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the following: (1)(i) In the case of oxygen, a warning statement providing that uninterrupted use of high concentrations of oxygen over a long duration, without monitoring its effect on oxygen content of arterial blood, may be harmful; that oxygen should not be used on patients who have stopped breathing unless used in conjunction with resuscitative equipment; and, in the case of oxygen that may be provided without a prescription for use in the event of depressurization or other environmental oxygen deficiency, or for oxygen deficiency or for use in emergency resuscitation when administered by properly trained personnel, a warning statement providing that oxygen may be used for emergency use only when administered by properly trained personnel for oxygen deficiency and resuscitation, and that for all other medical applications a prescription is required. (ii) In the case of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, nitrous oxide, and medically appropriate combinations of any of the gases listed in paragraph (a) of this section, a warning statement providing that the administration of the gas or gas combination (as applicable) may be hazardous or contraindicated; and that the gas or gas combination (as applicable) should be used only by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner who is experienced in the use and administration of the gas or gas combination (as applicable) and is familiar with the indications, effects, dosages, methods, and frequency and duration of administration, and with the hazards, contraindications, and side effects and the precautions to be taken. (2) Any needed directions concerning the conditions for storage and warnings against the inherent dangers in the handling of the specific compressed gas. (b) [Reserved] [81 FR 81696, Nov. 18, 2016]