Sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate (By injection)

Treats cyanide poisoning.

Brand Name(s):

Nithiodote

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicine may affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat erectile dysfunction

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, anemia, heart disease, low blood pressure, lung or breathing problems, G6PD deficiency, carbon monoxide poisoning, or smoke inhalation injury.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Blood problem (including methemoglobinemia)
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms, confusion, headache, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Seizures
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023