sodium nitroprusside dihydrate at a glance
Class
Direct arterial and venous vasodilator antihypertensive
Licensed uses
Hypertensive crises and controlled intraoperative hypotension in adults
Administration
Diluted intravenous infusion given by a healthcare professional using an infusion pump
Key precautions
Continuous cardiovascular monitoring and protection of the infusion from light
What is sodium nitroprusside dihydrate used for?
The selected product is licensed in adults for acute, specialist-controlled blood-pressure reduction.
Treatment of hypertensive crises
Controlled lowering of blood pressure during surgery
How does sodium nitroprusside dihydrate work?
It acts as a nitric-oxide donor, increasing cyclic GMP in vascular smooth muscle. This relaxes both arteries and veins, reducing vascular resistance, cardiac afterload and venous filling pressure; its effect changes rapidly when the infusion is adjusted.
sodium nitroprusside dihydrate preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 50 mg/2 mL
How to take sodium nitroprusside dihydrate
It is not swallowed or self-administered. A doctor or nurse dilutes the concentrate with 5% glucose and gives it into a vein using an infusion pump. It must not be injected directly; the prepared infusion is protected from light, and other medicines must not be added to it.
Administration takes place in a setting equipped for close blood-pressure and cardiovascular monitoring.
Strongly coloured prepared solutions must not be used.
The product information contains a cyanide-prevention protocol involving sodium thiosulfate.
sodium nitroprusside dihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported effects whose frequency is not known include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, palpitations and pain, redness or itching at the infusion site.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe hypotension or collapse
- Abnormal heartbeat or marked palpitations
- Slowed breathing, reduced oxygen uptake or respiratory paralysis
- Metabolic acidosis or raised lactate suggesting cyanide toxicity
- Confusion, hallucinations, seizures, paralysis or coma
- Persistent dizziness, vomiting, tinnitus or weakness suggesting thiocyanate accumulation
sodium nitroprusside dihydrate in pregnancy
Experience in pregnancy is insufficient. The product information states that sodium nitroprusside should be used only when a specialist considers it strictly medically necessary.
sodium nitroprusside dihydrate while breastfeeding
There is insufficient experience during breastfeeding. Specialist assessment is required, and the product information limits use to situations with a strict medical indication.
sodium nitroprusside dihydrate interactions
Medicines that also lower blood pressure can intensify sodium nitroprusside’s effect.
Sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil
Recent use may markedly increase hypotension; clinicians must assess timing and risk carefully.
Other antihypertensives or vasodilators
Combined effects may produce excessive blood-pressure reduction.
Pulmonary-hypertension vasodilators
The blood-pressure-lowering effect may be increased.
Common questions about sodium nitroprusside dihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is sodium nitroprusside dihydrate used for?
It is licensed in adults for hypertensive crises and controlled blood-pressure reduction during surgery.
How is sodium nitroprusside dihydrate given?
A healthcare professional gives it as a diluted intravenous infusion using an infusion pump.
Can sodium nitroprusside dihydrate be used at home?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.