Sodium Nitrite

Generic name: Sodium Nitrite [ SOW-dee-um-NYE-trite ]
Drug class: Antidotes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 30, 2023.

Uses of Sodium Nitrite:

• It is used to treat cyanide poisoning.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Sodium Nitrite?

• If you have an allergy to sodium nitrite or any other part of sodium nitrite.
• If you are allergic to sodium nitrite; any part of sodium nitrite; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take sodium nitrite with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sodium Nitrite?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take sodium nitrite. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
• Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may happen.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using sodium nitrite while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Related/similar drugs

sodium thiosulfate, amyl nitrite, hydroxocobalamin, Cyanokit, Nithiodote

How is this medicine (Sodium Nitrite) best taken?

Use sodium nitrite as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of methemoglobinemia like a blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; seizures; very bad dizziness or passing out; very bad headache; feeling very sleepy; feeling tired or weak; or shortness of breath. This effect is rare but may be deadly if it happens.
• Signs of too much acid in the blood (acidosis) like confusion; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; very bad stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; feeling very sleepy; shortness of breath; or feeling very tired or weak.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Feeling confused.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Seizures.
• Numbness and tingling.
• Fast breathing.
• Shortness of breath.

What are some other side effects of Sodium Nitrite?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dizziness.
• Flushing.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Belly pain.
• Bad taste in your mouth.
• Anxiety.
• Sweating a lot.
• Feeling tired or weak.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Sodium Nitrite?

• If you need to store sodium nitrite at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sodium nitrite, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer