AMYL NITRATE

Question 1

Generic/Trade Name

AMYL NITRATE

Answer 1

AMYL NITRATE

Question 2

AMYL NITRATE

Drug Classification:

Answer 2

Antidote

Nitrate Vasodilator

Question 3

AMYL NITRATE

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 3

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 4

AMYL NITRATE

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 4

• Onset of Action = 10-30 sec
• Peak Effects = 30 sec
• Duration of Effect = 3-5 min
• Half-Life = N/A

Question 5

AMYL NITRATE

Indications & Contraindications

Answer 5

Indications/Field Use:
• Cyanide Poisoning

Contraindications:
• None

Question 6

AMYL NITRATE

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:

Answer 6

N+V, Headache, dizziness, weakness, syncope

tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension

flushing, cold sweats

Question 7

AMYL NITRATE

Adult & Pedi Dose:

Answer 7

(ADULT) & (PEDI):

0.3mL ampule crushed, inhaled over 15-30 sec, q 1 min

until sodium nitrate infusion is available

Question 8

AMYL NITRATE

Precautions:

Answer 8

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

Question 9

AMYL NITRATE

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Answer 9

Hypotension potentiated by:

• antihypertensives
• β blockers
• and certain antiemetics (phenothiazines)