nasal carbon dioxide

Nasal carbon dioxide is an investigational medical gas therapy developed by Capnia, Inc. in collaboration with Dr. Roger K. Cady for the abortive treatment of episodic cluster headache. The therapy involves the delivery of a low-flow (0.5 standard liters per minute), non-inhaled stream of carbon dioxide gas into the nasal cavity using a proprietary hand-held dispenser. The mechanism of action is centered on the trigeminal nerve system, specifically targeting the ophthalmic (V1) and maxillary (V2) branches that innervate the nasal-sinus mucosa. The gas is believed to cause a rapid, localized pH change that inhibits sensory nerve activation and the subsequent release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides, thereby alleviating trigeminally mediated pain. Beyond cluster headache, the technology has been evaluated for other conditions such as migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, and allergic rhinitis.

Brand names

Serenz

Other names

nasal CO2carbon dioxide gasSerenz