- Summary
Helium is a gas used for medical conditions where there is a need for increased oxygen intake, such as upper airway obstruction in asthma and COPD.
- Brand Names
Heliox
- Generic Name
- Helium
- DrugBank Accession Number
- DB09155
- Background
Helium is a second most abundant chemical element in the universe with symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, inert, monatomic gas located at the top of the noble gases on the periodic table. Its boiling and melting points are the lowest among all the elements. Its clinical benefit in inhalation therapy arises from its advantageous physical properties than ambient air. Helium has lower density than air and generates less resistance than to provide improved lung ventilation. It is also used as an analytical reagent in diagnostic/imaging tests to detect respiratory function of the patient.
- Type
- Small Molecule
- Groups
- Approved, Investigational, Vet approved
- Structure
- Weight
- Average: 4.0026
Monoisotopic: 4.00260325 - Chemical Formula
- He
- Synonyms
- [He]
- atomic helium
- Helium
- External IDs
- E-939
- INS NO.939
- INS-939
Pharmacology
- Indication
For use in patients who are not getting enough oxygen into their blood due to blockages in the lungs from pathological conditions or injuries. Suggested potential benefit in upper airway obstruction, in severe asthma, and in exacerbations of COPD/COLD. Helium may be used in place of carbon monoxide during laparoscopic surgeries as it lowers the risk of developing respiratory acidosis in selected patients.
See AlsoHumanity Is Thoughtlessly Wasting An Essential, Non-Renewable Resource: HeliumOrigin of the ElementsHelium: The Most Important Resource No One is Talking AboutFederal Helium System at CliffsideReduce drug development failure rates
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- Associated Conditions
Indication Type Indication Combined Product Details Approval Level Age Group Patient Characteristics Dose Form Used in combination to treat Increased upper airway resistance Combination Product in combination with: Oxygen (DB09140) •••••••••••• ••• Treatment of Increased upper airway resistance •••••••••••• ••• Treatment of Upper airway obstruction •••••••••••• ••• - Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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- Pharmacodynamics
Helium provides lung ventilation and prevents narrowing or collapse in respiratory units. It increases the tendency to laminar flow and reduces the resistance in turbulent flow, leading to more efficient penetration of gases to the distal alveoli, higher minute volumes and improved ventilation.
- Mechanism of action
Due to its lower density, helium achieves more effective flow of gas due to lowered resistance to gas flow within the airways and reduces the work of breathing by decreasing the pressure gradient needed to achieve a turbulent flow 6. Helium has a higher diffusion coefficient for carbon dioxide relative to oxygen thus promotes exhalation of trapped carbon dioxide. This reduces hypercapnia and normalizes pH.Helium increases the coronary collateral circulation and enhances the vasodilatory effects of inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary vessels. It is suggested to possess neuroprotective properties. Cardioprotective effects against ischemia are mediated through early and late preconditioning by exposing the myocardial tissues to short ischemic episodes. Studies show that helium is associated with activation of pro-survival signalling kinases and inhibition of the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP).
- Absorption
Not Available
- Volume of distribution
Not Available
- Protein binding
Not Available
- Metabolism
- Not Available
- Route of elimination
Respiration
- Half-life
0.8 seconds
- Clearance
Not Available
- Adverse Effects
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- Toxicity
Little evidence of toxic effects from helium therapy in clinical settings. Due to high thermal conductivity, may cause hypothermia in case of prolonged administration.
- Pathways
- Not Available
- Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
- Not Available
Interactions
- Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
Not Available- Food Interactions
- No interactions found.
Products
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- Brand Name Prescription Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Helium Gas 99 L/100L Respiratory (inhalation) Air Liquide Canada Inc. 1960-01-01 2010-05-20 Helium Gas 990 mL/1L Respiratory (inhalation) Haun Specialty Gases, Inc. 2005-01-04 Not applicable Helium Gas 990 mL/1L Respiratory (inhalation) Linde Llc 1965-08-26 2011-12-15 Helium Gas 990 mL/1L Respiratory (inhalation) Praxair, Puerto Rico Inc. 2001-12-07 Not applicable Helium Gas 99 L/100L Respiratory (inhalation) Air Liquide America Specialty Gases LLC 2015-09-01 2015-10-01 Helium Gas 99 L/100L Respiratory (inhalation) Air Source Industries Inc 1992-01-01 Not applicable Helium Gas 995 mL/1L Respiratory (inhalation) Nordan Smith Welding Supply 1994-02-25 Not applicable Helium Gas 990 mL/1L Respiratory (inhalation) Magnegas Welding Supply-South, LLC 2019-12-10 Not applicable Helium Gas 99 L/100L Respiratory (inhalation) Indianapolis Welding Supply, Inc 1971-01-01 2013-04-12 Helium Gas 990 mL/1L Respiratory (inhalation) General Air Service & Supply Co 1958-01-01 Not applicable - Mixture Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Carbon Monox, Helium, Oxygen, Nitrogen L.D.M. Helium (10.5 %) + Carbon monoxide (0.3 %) + Nitrogen (67.7 %) + Oxygen (21.5 %) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Praxair, Inc. 1993-12-31 Not applicable Co-HE-O2-N2 Mixture Helium (10.0 %) + Carbon monoxide (0.3 %) + Nitrogen (68.7 %) + Oxygen (21.0 %) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Messer Canada Inc. 1995-12-31 Not applicable Gaseous Inh Mixture 20% Oxygen 80% Helium Helium (80 %) + Oxygen (20 %) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Air Products Canada Ltd/LtÉe. 1983-12-31 2001-09-14 Heliox 70/30 Helium (70 %) + Oxygen (30 %) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Vitalaire Canada Inc 2014-12-22 Not applicable Helium / Oxygen Mixture Helium (50 %) + Oxygen (50 %) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Messer Canada Inc. 1995-12-31 Not applicable Helium Oxygen mixture Helium (800 mL/1L) + Oxygen (200 mL/1L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Praxair Distribution, Inc. 2007-08-01 Not applicable Helium Oxygen mixture Helium (80 %) + Oxygen (20 %) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Air Liquide Canada Inc. 1911-12-31 Not applicable Helium Oxygen mixture Helium (700 mL/1L) + Oxygen (300 mL/1L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Airgas Usa, Llc 2012-01-03 Not applicable Helium Oxygen Nitrogen mixture Helium (200 mL/1L) + Nitrogen (300 mL/1L) + Oxygen (500 mL/1L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Praxair Distribution, Inc. 2005-10-01 Not applicable Helium-oxygen Mix Gas Helium (50 %) + Oxygen (50 %) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Praxair, Inc. 1997-05-02 Not applicable - Unapproved/Other Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image COMPRESSED Gas OXIDIZING, N.O.S. Helium (70 L/100L) + Oxygen (30 L/100L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Norco, Inc. 2008-09-01 Not applicable COMPRESSED Gas, N.O.S. Helium (79.6 L/100L) + Oxygen (20.4 L/100L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Norco, Inc. 2008-09-01 Not applicable Compressed, N.O.S. Helium (79 L/100L) + Oxygen (21 L/100L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Linde Gas & Equipment Inc. 1998-06-24 Not applicable Heliox Helium (700 mL/1L) + Oxygen (300 mL/1L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Spec Connection International Inc 2013-01-01 Not applicable Heliox Helium (800 mL/1L) + Oxygen (200 mL/1L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) NATIONAL WELDERS SUPPLY CO., INC. 1964-01-01 2010-08-10 Helium Helium (992 mL/1L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Airgas West, Inc. 1947-05-23 Not applicable Helium Helium (99 L/100L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Specialty Gases of America, Inc 1995-01-01 2015-06-10 Helium Helium (990 mL/1L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Encompass Medical & Specialty Gases, Ltd. 2009-04-15 Not applicable Helium Helium (995 mL/1L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) AIRGAS-NORPAC INC. 1983-01-01 Not applicable Helium Helium (99 L/100L) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Air Liquide Canada Inc. 1960-01-01 2010-05-20
Categories
- ATC Codes
- V03AN03 — Helium
- Drug Categories
- Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
- Description
- This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as hom*ogeneous noble gases. These are inorganic non-metallic compounds in which the largest atom is a halogen atom.
- Kingdom
- Inorganic compounds
- Super Class
- hom*ogeneous non-metal compounds
- Class
- hom*ogeneous noble gases
- Sub Class
- Not Available
- Direct Parent
- hom*ogeneous noble gases
- Alternative Parents
- Not Available
- Substituents
- hom*ogeneous noble gas
- Molecular Framework
- Not Available
- External Descriptors
- monoatomic helium (CHEBI:33681)
- Affected organisms
- Humans and other mammals
Chemical Identifiers
- UNII
- 206GF3GB41
- CAS number
- 7440-59-7
- InChI Key
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- InChI
InChI=1S/He
- IUPAC Name
helium
- SMILES
[He]
References
- General References
- Berganza CJ, Zhang JH: The role of helium gas in medicine. Med Gas Res. 2013 Aug 4;3(1):18. doi: 10.1186/2045-9912-3-18. [Article]
- Diehl JL, Peigne V, Guerot E, Faisy C, Lecourt L, Mercat A: Helium in the adult critical care setting. Ann Intensive Care. 2011 Jul 6;1(1):24. doi: 10.1186/2110-5820-1-24. [Article]
- Liu W, Khatibi N, Sridharan A, Zhang JH: Application of medical gases in the field of neurobiology. Med Gas Res. 2011 Jun 27;1(1):13. doi: 10.1186/2045-9912-1-13. [Article]
- Dickinson R, Franks NP: Bench-to-bedside review: Molecular pharmacology and clinical use of inert gases in anesthesia and neuroprotection. Crit Care. 2010;14(4):229. doi: 10.1186/cc9051. Epub 2010 Aug 12. [Article]
- Pagel PS, Krolikowski JG, Pratt PF Jr, Shim YH, Amour J, Warltier DC, Weihrauch D: Reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium channels mediate helium-induced preconditioning against myocardial infarction in vivo. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2008 Aug;22(4):554-9. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2008.04.005. Epub 2008 Jun 17. [Article]
- Reuben AD, Harris AR: Heliox for asthma in the emergency department: a review of the literature. Emerg Med J. 2004 Mar;21(2):131-5. [Article]
- Oei GT, Weber NC, Hollmann MW, Preckel B: Cellular effects of helium in different organs. Anesthesiology. 2010 Jun;112(6):1503-10. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0b013e3181d9cb5e. [Article]
- FDA Compliance Program Guidance Manual: Compressed Medical Gases [Link]
- DailyMed: Helium gas [Link]
- FDA Approved Products: Heliox (helium and oxygen) gases for inhalation [Link]
- External Links
- Human Metabolome Database
- HMDB0037238
- KEGG Drug
- D04420
- PubChem Compound
- 23987
- PubChem Substance
- 310265068
- ChemSpider
- 22423
- RxNav
- 5140
- ChEBI
- 33681
- ChEMBL
- CHEMBL1796997
- PharmGKB
- PA449848
- Drugs.com
- Drugs.com Drug Page
- Wikipedia
- Helium
- MSDS
Download (27.8 KB)
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials
Phase Status Purpose Conditions Count 4 Completed Basic Science Nuclear radiation emergency 1 3 Completed Supportive Care Bronchiolitis / Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 1 3 Terminated Treatment Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 1 2 Completed Treatment Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) 1 2 Terminated Treatment Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 1 2 Terminated Treatment Status Asthmaticus 1 2, 3 Completed Supportive Care Bronchiolitis / Chronic Bronchitis 1 1 Unknown Status Diagnostic Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity 1 1 Unknown Status Other Healthy Subjects (HS) 1 1, 2 Completed Basic Science Infants, Premature / Respiratory Distress Syndrome 1
Pharmacoeconomics
- Manufacturers
Not Available
- Packagers
Not Available
- Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength Gas Intracoronary; Respiratory (inhalation) 992 mL/1L Gas Respiratory (inhalation) 99 L/100L Gas Respiratory (inhalation) 990 mL/1L Gas Respiratory (inhalation) 992 mL/1L Gas Respiratory (inhalation) 995 mL/1L Gas Respiratory (inhalation) 999 mL/1L Gas Respiratory (inhalation) 100 % Gas 99 % Gas Respiratory (inhalation) Gas Respiratory (inhalation) 99 % - Prices
- Not Available
- Patents
- Not Available
Properties
- State
- Gas
- Experimental Properties
Property Value Source melting point (°C) -272.2 MSDS boiling point (°C) -269 MSDS water solubility 1.5mg/L MSDS logP 0.28 Human Metabolome Database - Predicted Properties
Property Value Source logP 0 Chemaxon Physiological Charge 0 Chemaxon Hydrogen Acceptor Count 0 Chemaxon Hydrogen Donor Count 0 Chemaxon Polar Surface Area 0 Å2 Chemaxon Rotatable Bond Count 0 Chemaxon Refractivity 0 m3·mol-1 Chemaxon Polarizability 1.78 Å3 Chemaxon Number of Rings 0 Chemaxon Bioavailability 1 Chemaxon Rule of Five Yes Chemaxon Ghose Filter No Chemaxon Veber's Rule Yes Chemaxon MDDR-like Rule No Chemaxon - Predicted ADMET Features
- Not Available
Spectra
- Mass Spec (NIST)
- Not Available
- Spectra
- Not Available
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Learn moreDrug created at October 01, 2015 21:58 / Updated at December 19, 2023 18:46
As an expert in the field, my extensive knowledge encompasses various aspects of medical gases, particularly helium, and its applications in the healthcare industry. I have actively engaged with scientific literature, research articles, and clinical studies to gain a profound understanding of the properties, mechanisms, and therapeutic uses of helium in the context of inhalation therapy.
Helium Overview: Helium, with the symbol He and atomic number 2, is the second most abundant chemical element in the universe. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, inert, monatomic gas and belongs to the noble gases. Helium's unique physical properties, such as lower density than air, make it advantageous for medical applications, particularly in inhalation therapy.
Medical Applications: Helium is used in the treatment of medical conditions where increased oxygen intake is necessary, such as in cases of upper airway obstruction in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The therapeutic benefits of helium in inhalation therapy arise from its ability to provide improved lung ventilation due to its lower density, which results in reduced resistance to gas flow within the airways.
Mechanism of Action: The mechanism of action of helium involves its lower density, which facilitates more effective gas flow with reduced resistance in the airways. This, in turn, leads to improved penetration of gases into the distal alveoli, higher minute volumes, and enhanced ventilation. Helium's higher diffusion coefficient for carbon dioxide relative to oxygen promotes the exhalation of trapped carbon dioxide, reducing hypercapnia and normalizing pH.
Helium is also associated with increased coronary collateral circulation, enhanced vasodilatory effects of inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary vessels, and potential neuroprotective properties. Studies suggest that helium may exert cardioprotective effects against ischemia through the activation of pro-survival signaling kinases and inhibition of the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP).
Safety and Toxicity: Helium therapy has shown little evidence of toxic effects in clinical settings. However, due to its high thermal conductivity, prolonged administration may cause hypothermia.
Clinical Applications: Helium is indicated for use in patients who are not receiving sufficient oxygen due to blockages in the lungs resulting from pathological conditions or injuries. It is suggested for conditions like upper airway obstruction, severe asthma, and exacerbations of COPD. Additionally, helium may be used in place of carbon monoxide during laparoscopic surgeries to lower the risk of respiratory acidosis.
Drug Information: Helium is available in various formulations, including as a standalone gas and in combination with oxygen in different ratios. Brand names include Heliox, and it is administered through respiratory inhalation.
Conclusion: In conclusion, helium's unique physical properties make it a valuable asset in medical gas therapy, particularly for conditions requiring enhanced oxygen intake. Its role in improving lung ventilation, reducing airway resistance, and potential cardioprotective effects underscore its significance in the field of respiratory medicine. As an expert, I am dedicated to staying informed about the latest developments in this area to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
