DOH defers laughing gas classification to DDB

The Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday that the classification of nitrous oxide or 'laughing gas' as a dangerous drug will be deferred to the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

On Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced it is considering adding laughing gas to the list of dangerous drugs after reports of its misuse in a Pasay City club.

Vergeire noted that nitrous oxide is classified as a prescribed medication by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), used medically and dentally as an anesthetic, causing euphoria when inhaled.