sodium nitroprusside-injection, Nitropress

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GENERIC NAME: SODIUM NITROPRUSSIDE - INJECTION (nye-troh-PRUSS-ide)

BRAND NAME(S): Nitropress

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: This drug can cause very large decreases in blood pressure. Without proper monitoring, serious injury or death could result. Nitroprusside, especially in larger-than-recommended doses, might cause cyanide poisoning. Therefore, do not exceed the maximum nitroprusside IV rate (10 mcg/kg/min), especially if the patient has kidney problems. In fact, the maximum IV rate should not be continued more than 10 minutes. If blood pressure is not properly controlled after 10 minutes at the maximum IV rate, nitroprusside should be stopped. Cyanide accumulation might be avoided by monitoring for acid- base metabolic problems (metabolic acidosis), including tests for blood pH. If signs of acidosis occur, nitroprusside may be stopped. Consult the doctor or pharmacist.

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