Sodium Nitroprusside
About Sodium Nitroprusside
Sodium Nitroprusside belongs to the group of medicines called vasodilators indicated for the treatment of hypertension in emergency situations. It is also used to produce controlled hypertension in order to reduce bleeding during surgery. Sodium Nitroprusside may also be used in acute congestive heart failure.
Sodium Nitroprusside contains Sodium nitroprusside that works by relaxing the muscles in the blood vessels to help them dilate/widen. This causes a decrease in blood pressure. Thereby, Sodium Nitroprusside helps in controlling blood pressure.
In some cases, Sodium Nitroprusside may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, headache, and abdominal pain. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of the components in Sodium Nitroprusside. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Sodium Nitroprusside
Medicinal Benefits
Sodium Nitroprusside belongs to the group of medicines called vasodilators indicated for the treatment of hypertensive crisis who have not responded adequately to standard treatment. It is also used to produce controlled hypertension in order to reduce bleeding during surgery when both anaesthesiologists and surgeons decide it is necessary. Sodium Nitroprusside may also be used in acute congestive heart failure. Sodium Nitroprusside contains Sodium nitroprusside that works by widening the blood vessels. This causes a decrease in blood pressure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sodium Nitroprusside
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Irritation at the injection site
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertensive crisis: Hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency in which there is a sudden, severe increase in blood pressure. It can lead to life-threatening health problems, heart attack or stroke. The blood pressure reading in a hypertensive emergency is 180/120mm Hg or greater. Symptoms include headache or blurred vision, increasing confusion, increasing chest pain, increasing shortness of breath, seizure, and swelling/oedema.
Congestive heart failure: It is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood as effectively as it should. Conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, congenital heart defect, diabetes, overactive/underactive thyroid, or high blood pressure make the heart too weak to pump blood efficiently. Symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, swollen legs, and fatigue.
FAQs
Sodium Nitroprusside works by widening the blood vessels. This causes a decrease in blood pressure.
Except when used briefly or at low infusion rates, Sodium Nitroprusside may give rise to important quantities of cyanide ions, which can reach toxicity. If blood pressure has not been sufficiently controlled after 10 minutes of infusion, administration of Sodium Nitroprusside should be terminated.
Sodium Nitroprusside may increase intracranial pressure (rise in pressure inside the skull). Sodium Nitroprusside should be used with extreme caution in patients with elevated intracranial pressure.
