Category:

• Miscellaneous

Description:

• Antianginal, cyanide antidote

Indications:

• Acute angina pectoris

• Cyanide poisoning

Contraindications:

• Severe anemia, increased intracranial pressure

• Hypertension, cerebral hemorrhage

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Drug should be inhaled while the patient is seated or lying down

• Taking after drinking alcohol may worsen side effects

• Amyl nitrite if very flammable

• Tolerance may develop with repeated use

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: dizziness, headache, syncope, weakness

• CV: cardiovascular collapse, palpitations, postural hypotension, tachycardia

• GI: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting

• GU: urinary incontinence

• HEME: hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia

• MS: muscle twitching

• SKIN: flushing, pallor,sweating

Dosage:

Administered via inhalation (INH)

• a capsule of amyl nitrite is crushed with the fingers and held to the nostrils for inhalation of the vapors

• Adult:   

  • angina pectoris, cardiac diagnostic aid: 

    • INH 0.18-0.3 ml capsule as needed

    • 1-6 INH from 1 capsule

    • may repeat in 3-5 minutes

  • cyanide poisoning: 

    • INH 0.3 ml capsule inhaled for 15 seconds until sodium nitrite infusion is ready