Nitroprusside
Information about Nitroprusside
Nitroprusside Uses
Nitroprusside is used in the treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain), Heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertensive emergency and anal fissure.
How Nitroprusside works
Nitroprusside is a vasodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them widen and results in the lowering of blood pressure.
Common side effects of Nitroprusside
Cyanide poisoning, Decreased blood pressure
Expert advice for Nitroprusside
- Nitroprusside is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) by your doctor or nurse.
- It may cause sudden lowering of blood pressure. Hence, regular monitoring of blood pressure is required during treatment.
- If there is no considerable improvement in blood pressure within 10 minutes, stop the infusion immediately.
- It may cause headaches which usually go away after a few days of continued treatment. Inform your doctor if it persists.
- Stop taking medications (prescribed for erectile dysfunction) like sildenafil or tadalafil while on treatment with Nitroprusside as it may cause low blood pressure.
- You have been prescribed Nitroprusside for the prevention and treatment of heart-related chest pain (angina).
- Eat healthy (low-fat, high-fiber, low-sodium diet), quit smoking, increase your physical activity, watch your weight and reduce stress.
- Nitroprusside may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking Nitroprusside as it may cause increased dizziness.
- It may cause headaches which usually go away after a few days of continued treatment. Inform your doctor if it persists.
- You may develop tolerance to Nitroprusside with time, meaning that the same dose may be less effective next time. Follow the prescribed dosing schedule to avoid this.
- Stop taking medications (prescribed for erectile dysfunction) like sildenafil or tadalafil while on treatment with Nitroprusside as it may cause low blood pressure.