Abstract: Administration mediums comprising solutions of nitrous oxide in water, alcohols, ethers or oils, and optionally including essential fatty acids or C1-C6 alkyl esters thereof enhance the action of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic drugs. The drugs may be combined with the medium into a pharmaceutical composition or may be taken orally by swallowing the drug with the aid of the medium.

Abstract: Dermatological compositions comprising nitrous oxide and at least one essential fatty acid or lower alkyl ester thereof in a dermatologically acceptable carrier medium is useful in the treatment of a variety of skin, muscle and joint disorders including psoriasis, shingles, fever blisters, chicken pox, ache, chilblains, eczema, chloasmas, alopecia, dermatitis, ringworm and burn wounds. The composition preferably also includes additional ingredients selected from coal tar, collagen, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, lanolin, vitamin E, methyl salicylate, arnica, and H.sub.1 -antagonist antihistamines or combinations thereof.