amyl nitrite

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity;
Patients taking sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil;
Severe anemia;
Cerebral hemorrhage;
Glaucoma;
Recent head trauma;
Pregnancy and lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

Hypotension;
Hypovolemia;
Constrictive pericarditis or cardiac tamponade;
Hyperthyroidism;
Recent MI;
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
Geriatric patients (increased risk of orthostatic hypotension).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: flushing, hypotension, tachycardia

Derm: cyanosis of lips, fingernails, or palms (indicates methemoglobinemia)

EENT: ↑intraocular pressure

GI: nausea

Hemat: HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA,, METHEMOGLOBINEMIA

Neuro: headache, restlessness, weakness, dizziness, fainting

Resp: shortness of breath

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

↑hypotension with antihypertensives or acute ingestion of alcohol.
Decreases the effects of norepinephrine.
Antianginal activity decreased by epinephrine, and phenylephrine.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Inhalant (ampules for inhalation): 0.3 mL

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Antianginal

Inhaln (Adults ): 1 ampule crushed and inhaled; may be repeated in 3–5 min (1–6 inhalations).

Cyanide Poisoning

Inhaln (Adults and Children ): Inhale for 15–30 sec of each minute until sodium nitrite infusion is prepared.

Action ⬆ ⬇

Reduces systemic arterial pressure (reduces afterload).
Forms methemoglobin, which combines with cyanide, forming a nontoxic compound (cyanmethemoglobin).

Therapeutic effects:

Relief of angina pectoris.
Prevention of fatal outcome in cyanide poisoning.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antianginals, antidotes

Pharmacologic Classification: nitrates

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Amyl nitrite is well absorbed through nasal mucosa.

Distribution: Widely distributed.

Metabolism/Excretion: Combines to form methemoglobin.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(antianginal)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Inhaln	30 sec	unknown	5–10 min

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Caution patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension.
Angina: Instruct patient in correct technique for use of amyl nitrite ampules. Relief should occur within 1–5 min. If pain is not relieved 5 min after one dose, the patient or family member should call 911 immediately.
- Instruct patient to remain seated or lying during and after administration to prevent dizziness.
- Inform patient that headache is a common side effect.
- Instruct patient to wash hands after using this medication.
- Caution patient to avoid drinking alcohol or taking sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil concurrently with amyl nitrite.
- Amyl nitrite is flammable; instruct patient to avoid exposing to heat or flame (e.g. cigarettes).
- Instruct patient to store medication in cool place away from light.
Cyanide Poisoning: Explain purpose and procedure for therapy to patient.

Pronunciation ⬆ ⬇

Code ⬆

NDC Code

0220- Boiron
- 0220-0300- Amyl nitrosum
  - 0220-0300-41- 5 [hp_C] in 1 TUBE (0220-0300-41)

0220- Boiron
- 0220-0301- Amyl nitrosum
  - 0220-0301-41- 30 [hp_C] in 1 TUBE (0220-0301-41)

46414- James Alexander Corporation
- 46414-2222- Amyl Nitrite
  - 46414-2222-8- 144 AMPULE in 1 CARTON (46414-2222-8) > .3 mL in 1 AMPULE (46414-2222-1)

64117- Natural Health Supply
- 64117-303- HEADACHE
  - 64117-303-01- 275 PELLET in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (64117-303-01)

68428- Washington Homeopathic Products
- 68428-202- Amyl nitrosum
  - 68428-202-03- 75 PELLET in 1 VIAL, GLASS (68428-202-03)

68428- Washington Homeopathic Products
- 68428-202- Amyl nitrosum
  - 68428-202-05- 150 PELLET in 1 VIAL, GLASS (68428-202-05)

68428- Washington Homeopathic Products
- 68428-202- Amyl nitrosum
  - 68428-202-06- 1200 PELLET in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (68428-202-06)

68428- Washington Homeopathic Products
- 68428-202- Amyl nitrosum
  - 68428-202-11- 300 PELLET in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (68428-202-11)

68428- Washington Homeopathic Products
- 68428-202- Amyl nitrosum
  - 68428-202-12- 600 PELLET in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (68428-202-12)

71919- Washington Homeopathic Products
- 71919-051- Amyl nitrosum
  - 71919-051-07- 15 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (71919-051-07)

71919- Washington Homeopathic Products
- 71919-051- Amyl nitrosum
  - 71919-051-08- 30 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (71919-051-08)

71919- Washington Homeopathic Products
- 71919-051- Amyl nitrosum
  - 71919-051-09- 50 mL in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (71919-051-09)

71919- Washington Homeopathic Products
- 71919-051- Amyl nitrosum
  - 71919-051-10- 100 mL in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (71919-051-10)

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇