Oxygen
Oxygen is a medical gas essential for supporting life and treating conditions where the body cannot receive adequate oxygen naturally. It is used in emergency situations, chronic respiratory conditions, and during surgical procedures to maintain proper oxygen levels in the blood and tissues.
Oxygen therapy provides supplemental oxygen to treat hypoxia and support patients with breathing difficulties.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V03AN01
- RxNorm
- 7806
- Generic
- Oxygen
- Class
- atc-v03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of hypoxemia, respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, heart failure, asthma exacerbations, emergency resuscitation, and perioperative support. Also used in hyperbaric oxygen therapy for conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness.
Oxygen is delivered to increase the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2), which enhances oxygen saturation of hemoglobin and improves delivery of oxygen to vital organs and tissues. This supports cellular metabolism and aerobic respiration.
Oxygen supports combustion and is a fire hazard—keep away from open flames and heat sources. Prolonged high-flow oxygen can cause oxygen toxicity, particularly affecting the lungs and eyes in neonates. Administered via nasal cannula, mask, or mechanical ventilation depending on patient needs. Requires careful monitoring of oxygen saturation levels to avoid both hypoxia and hyperoxia.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 29, 2026. · Read our editorial policy