sodium nitrite · Medicine question

Why is sodium nitrite given with sodium thiosulfate?

iatroX medicinesPublished 21 August 2026Reviewed 21 August 2026

The answer

Answer

They act in complementary ways: sodium nitrite draws cyanide away from cellular enzymes, while sodium thiosulfate supports its conversion into less toxic thiocyanate.

Sources for this answer

Sodium Nitrite Solution for Injectionemc · SmPC Current selected SmPC · Version 2

Explore this learning need in CPDTake this topic to CPD, then choose your learning context and available question library.

What is sodium nitrite used for in hospital?Can sodium nitrite be taken at home?Does sodium nitrite replace oxygen treatment?Why can sodium nitrite make the skin look blue or grey?Can sodium nitrite lower blood pressure?Why is sodium nitrite used cautiously after smoke inhalation?

loading page…

Answer

Sources for this answer

More questions about sodium nitrite

Answer

Sources for this answer

More questions about sodium nitrite

More clinical questions?