Tag: Hypoxemia

A common cause of respiratory depression—which results in low oxygen levels—is a reaction to alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs. Understanding which medications cause low oxygen, or hypoxemia, is crucial for patient safety, as these reactions can range from mild shortness of breath to life-threatening respiratory failure.

Atmospheric air contains about 21% oxygen, but medical-grade oxygen is a highly concentrated gas (at least 82% pure) and classified as a prescription drug. The question of 'How does oxygen work as a drug?' is key to understanding its therapeutic use for conditions where patients aren't getting enough on their own.

While blood thinners do not directly lower oxygen saturation, a recent study showed that these medications can prevent serious respiratory issues, such as those caused by pulmonary embolisms. The question of **can blood thinners affect your oxygen level** is complex, involving indirect factors like anemia from internal bleeding.

Oxygen, while naturally occurring in the air we breathe, is considered a medical gas and regulated as a drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used for medical purposes. This means that medical oxygen, unlike the air around us, requires a prescription, must meet strict purity standards, and its use must be monitored by healthcare professionals.