INFORMATION FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Home | Consumers | Health Professionals | Regulatory | Other | Hot Topics | Search
Home | Consumers | Health Professionals | Regulatory | Other | Hot Topics | Search
Amyl nitrite is a rapidly acting vasodilator administered by inhalation. 0.3ml is supplied in a covered thin glass capsule which is easily crushed between the fingers. Amyl nitrite is a clear, yellowish liquid having a peculiar ethereal, fruity odour. It is volatile, even at low temperatures, and is flammable. This product is 98% w/v, stabilized with Epoxol 9-5, 2%w/v. The structural formula of amyl nitrite is (CH3)2CHCH2CH2ONO.
Amyl nitrite causes a non-specific relaxation of smooth muscle with the most prominant actions occurring in vascular smooth muscle. This effect on vascular smooth muscle results in coronary vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance and left ventricular preload and afterload. Additionally, amyl nitrite induces the formation of methemoglobin. In cases of cyanide poisoning, the methemoglobin combines with the cyanide to form nontoxic cyanmethemoglobin.
Amyl nitrite vapours are absorbed rapidly through the pulmonary alveoli, manifesting therapeutic effects within one minute after inhalation. The drug is metabolised rapidly, probably by hydrolytic denitration; approximately one third of the inhaled amyl nitrite is excreted in the urine.
Amyl nitrite aids in the treatment of accidental cyanide poisoning.
If any of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning (dizziness, rapid breathing, headache, drowsiness and unconsciousness) occur and the patient is breathing, break an amyl nitrite vial and hold under the patient's nose for 30 seconds. Repeat up to 8 times using a fresh vial every 3 minutes. Use artificial respiration (mouth to nose) if breathing has stopped. If cyanide has been swallowed, give a glass or 2 of water and cause vomiting by putting fingers down the patient's throat. Repeat until vomit fluid is clear in appearance. Do not attempt to cause vomiting if the patient is unconscious or convulsing. Call a doctor as soon as possible.
Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Since it may increase intraocular and intracranial pressures, amyl nitrite is contraindicated or should be used with great caution in patients with glaucoma, recent head trauma or cerebral haemorrhage.
Amyl nitrite can cause harm to the foetus when it is administered to a pregnant woman because it significantly reduces systemic blood pressure and blood flow across the maternal side of the placenta.
Transient episodes of dizziness, weakness, or syncope or other signs of cerebral ischemia due to postural hypotension may develop following inhalation of amyl nitrite, particularly if the patient is standing immobile. To hasten recovery, measures which facilitate venous return such as head-low posture, deep breathing and movement of extremities may be used.
Tolerance to amyl nitrite may develop with repeated use of the drug for prolonged periods of time.
High doses of nitrites may produce methemoglobinaemia, especially in individuals with methemoglobin reductase deficiency or other metabolic abnormality that interferes with the normal conversion of methemoglobin back to haemoglobin.
Amyl nitrite should be taken by the patient when seated or lying down.
Teratogenic effects: Animal studies have not been conducted with amyl nitrite. It is not known whether amyl nitrite can cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Amyl nitrite should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when amyl nitrite is administered to a nursing woman.
Abuse - Volatile nitrites are abused for sexual stimulation, with headache as a common side-effect.
Dependence - Tolerance to nitrites can develop; conditions and duration have not been established.
Mild, transitory headache, dizziness and flushing of the face are common with the use of amyl nitrite.
The following adverse reactions may occur in susceptible patients;
syncope,
involuntary passing of urine and faeces,
hypotension,
pallor,
cold sweat,
tachycardia,
restlessness,
weakness,
vomiting and nausea.
Excessively high doses of amyl nitrite administered chronically may cause methemoglobinaemia.
Adequate long term studies to establish adverse carcinogenic potential of this drug have not been reported.
Taking amyl nitrite after drinking alcohol may worsen side effects and may cause severe hypotension and cardiovascular collapse.
Inhaled doses of 5 to 10 drops of amyl nitrite may cause violent flushing of the face, accompanied by a feeling of imminent bursting of the head and very excessive heart action. The inhalation of larger amounts may produce a feeling of suffocation and muscular weakness. Symptoms comparable to shock may be produced (such as weakness, restlessness, sweating, pallor, nausea, vomiting, syncope and incontinence) attributable to pooling of blood in the postarteriolar vessels and failure of the venous blood to return to the heart.
Measures which facilitate venous return such as head-low posture, deep breathing and movement of extremities may be used. The use of epinephrine aggravates the shock-like reaction. Methylene blue should be injected for treatment of severe methemoglobinaemia with dyspnea. When treating cyanide poisoning, methylene blue is contraindicated where nitrites cause iatrogenic methemoglobinaemia.
Amyl nitrite is very flammable. Do not use where it might become ignited. The capsule contents should be protected from light. Storage should be in a cold place (2°-8°C for 36 months or 8°C-15°C for 24 months).
Prescription Medicine
Amyl nitrite is supplied in covered glass capsules. Each capsule contains 0.3ml of 98% w/v amyl nitrite. It is supplied in packs of 3.
Feral Control
36B Sir William Avenue
East Tamaki
AUCKLAND.
18 May 2000