Sterile Nitroprusside Sodium Lyophilized Injection

Category: Vasodilator / Antihypertensive agent
Form: Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for intravenous (IV) use, reconstituted before administration

Uses:

• Acute hypertensive crises requiring rapid blood pressure reduction.

• Controlled hypotension during surgery to reduce bleeding.

• Acute heart failure or left ventricular failure with high blood pressure.

Mechanism of Action:

• Nitroprusside sodium releases nitric oxide (NO) in vascular smooth muscle.

• NO activates guanylate cyclase, increasing cyclic GMP levels.

• Leads to relaxation of arterial and venous smooth muscle, causing vasodilation.

• Reduces systemic vascular resistance and preload/afterload, lowering blood pressure rapidly.

Administration:

• Reconstituted and diluted with appropriate IV fluids before infusion.

• Administered intravenously via controlled infusion, titrated carefully to achieve desired blood pressure.

• Continuous blood pressure and cardiac monitoring is required during therapy.

Side Effects:

• Hypotension, which may be severe if infusion rate is too high.

• Cyanide toxicity, especially with high doses or prolonged use.

• Thiocyanate accumulation, particularly in patients with renal impairment.

• Headache, dizziness, nausea.

• Rare allergic reactions.

Precautions:

• Monitor blood pressure continuously to avoid excessive hypotension.

• Limit infusion duration to reduce risk of cyanide toxicity; monitor for metabolic acidosis, altered mental status, or cyanide-related symptoms.

• Use caution in patients with renal or liver impairment.

• Ensure correct reconstitution and dilution before administration.

Summary:
Sterile Nitroprusside Sodium Lyophilized Injection is a potent vasodilator used for rapid blood pressure control in hypertensive emergencies or acute heart failure. It works by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes vascular smooth muscle to reduce systemic resistance and blood pressure. Administered intravenously with careful titration, it requires continuous blood pressure monitoring and precautions to prevent hypotension and cyanide toxicity.