Talk:Minimum alveolar concentration

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--koshime 23:10, September 9, 2005 (UTC) Defined and expanded on the MAC concept

[edit] Values greater than 100%

The article Nitrous oxide states 'It has a MAC of 105%'.

Either this statment is false, or the definition of MAC given on this page is incomplete/incorrect. Can somone please provide a complete and concise definition here, or else correct the other page.

Nitrous oxide is an anagesic. This does not mean that it readily immobilizes the patient. MAC is the concentration at 1atm that produces immobility in 50% of patients. In other words, nitrous oxide will kill the pain but must be used with other agents (such as halothane MAC 0.8 or isoflurane MAC 1.5)if immobility is desired. I hope that helps.