Tag: Oxygen toxicity

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.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies medical-grade oxygen as a prescription drug, a fact many people find surprising given that it's a vital part of the air we breathe. However, in higher concentrations for therapeutic use, is oxygen considered a drug, and why is it regulated with the same scrutiny as other medications? This article will explain the pharmacological and regulatory reasons for this classification.