Tri-ox compound

From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference.

Tri-ox is a simple but effective intravenous medicine used for rapidly oxygenating the blood cells of a living being, especially in an oxygen-poor environment such as Vulcan. Most Humans and humanoids would otherwise have trouble getting sufficient oxygen in such environments, especially during any strenuous work or other exertions. The drug can be used as a substitute for cumbersome breathing masks and equipment in such cases.

Tri-ox compound is designed to strengthen an individual's cardiopulmonary system. An injection of 15 cc's of tri-ox every four hours is the recommended dosage taken to compensate for excess carbon dioxide, as can be the case of a humanoid in prolonged exposure to a Class L environment. Without it, an individual will experience the effects of hypoxia and possibly carbon dioxide poisoning. (DS9: "The Sound of Her Voice")

Doctor Leonard McCoy feigned using tri-ox on Captain James T. Kirk in 2267 during a Vulcan combat ritual, and later used the drug on the captain after his space suit's air supply had nearly run out. Lieutenant Commander Tuvok used tri-ox on survivors of an orbital tether carriage in 2373. (TOS: "Amok Time", "The Tholian Web"; VOY: "Rise")

The exact mechanisim by which tri-ox works has not been stated on screen, but it could be inferred from the instances it has been used that it increases the blood cells' ability to bind and carry oxygen, rather than supplying additional oxygen on it's own.

[edit] External link

• Tri-ox compound at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works