Amyl Nitrate

Question 0

Mechanism of action

Answer 0

Short acting vasodilator and SMC relaxant that oxidizes hemoglobin to become methemoglobin, which forms a non-toxic complex with the cyanide ion to form cyanomethemoglobin, which can be enzymatically degraded

Question 1

Drug classification

Answer 1

Antidote/nitrate vasodilator

Question 2

Onset

Answer 2

10-30 sec

Question 3

Peak

Answer 3

30 sec

Question 4

Duration

Answer 4

3-5 mi

Question 5

Half life

Answer 5

N/A

Question 6

Indications/ field use

Answer 6

Cyanide poisoning

Question 7

Contraindications

Answer 7

None

Question 8

Side effects/ adverse reactions

Answer 8

Headache, dizzyness, weakness, flushing, cold sweats, tachycardia, syncope, orthostatic hypotension, N+V

Question 9

Dose adult

Answer 9

0.3 ml ampule crushed, inhaled over 15-30 sec, q 1 min until sodium nitrate infusion is available

Question 10

Dose pedi

Answer 10

0.3 ml ampule crushes, inhaled over 15-30 sec, q 1 min until sodium nitrate infusion is available

Question 11

Precautions

Answer 11

May be a medication of abuse, should be stored in a secure place with narcotics
Smells like dirty, sweaty socks
Ensure patient is sitting prior to administration, hypotension and syncope may be sudden

Question 12

Drug on drug interactions

Answer 12

Hypotension potentiated by antihypertensives, beta blockers, and certain antiemetics ( phenothiazines)