Nitroprusside – What is it for, how to use it and side effects

Nitroprusside – What is it for, how to use it and side effects we should know. Additionally, nitroprusside is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). This lowers your blood pressure and allows blood to flow more easily through your veins and arteries. Nitroprusside is used to treat congestive heart failure and high blood pressure (hypertension). Nitroprusside is also used to keep blood pressure down during surgery. Nitroprusside may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Most Important Information to Know About Nitroprusside:  You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to nitroprusside or if you have hereditary vision loss (Leber’s disease), vision problems caused by smoking, or a history of blood clot in your brain. Before receiving nitroprusside , tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure , kidney or liver disease, anemia (lack of red blood cells), a seizure disorder, or a history of a head injury or brain tumor.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated to inform your caregivers about your health conditions or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows that you received this drug.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have a serious side effect, such as trouble breathing, tremors or spasms, numbness or a cold feeling in your arms and legs, confusion, ringing in your ears, or a feeling that you might pass.

How Nitroprusside is Given:  Nitroprusside is injected into a vein through an infusion pump. You will receive this injection at a clinic or hospital. Nitroprusside is usually given for as long as it takes for your body to respond to the medication.

Your breathing, blood pressure , oxygen levels and other vital signs will be closely watched while you are receiving nitroprusside . Your blood and urine may also be tested during treatment.

What Happens If You Miss a Dose:  Since nitroprusside is given as needed by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What to Do if Overdose Happens:  Tell your caregivers at once if you think you have received too much of this medication. Overdose symptoms can include extreme dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, rapid breathing, a rapid or pulsing heartbeat, and feeling like you might pass out.

What to Avoid After Receiving Nitroprusside:  Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, drink, activity, or other medications.

Nitroprusside Side Effects:  Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Tell your caregivers at the same time if you have a serious side effect, such as:

• Feeling that you can pass out even when lying down;
• Panting, struggling to breathe, or shallow breathing;
• Confusion, ringing in your ears;
• Dizziness with nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing, convulsions;
• Fast, slow or uneven heart rate;
• Sensation of numbness or cold in the arms and legs; or
• Chills, sweating, tremors, spasms, hyperactive reflexes.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin rash;
• Mild stomach pain or nausea;
• Heat, redness, or a tingling sensation under your skin
• Darkening or deeper coloring of the veins through your skin or
• Irritation around the IV needle.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Nitroprusside Dosage Information: 

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertensive Emergency:

• Starting dose: 0.3 mcg/kg/min IBW administered by continuous IV infusion.
• Maintenance dose: The dose can be titrated up to a maximum of 10 mcg/kg/min IBW.

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

• Initial dose: 10 to 15 mcg/min given by continuous IV infusion.
• Maintenance dose: The dose can be titrated to 10 to 200 mcg/min.
• Maximum dose: 280 mcg/min (4 mcg/kg/min).