Sodium Nitrite/sodium Thiosulfate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 14, 2024.

Applies to sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate: intravenous solution.

Precautions

Your doctor will check your or your child's progress closely while you are receiving this medicine to make sure if the medicine is working properly. Blood tests will also be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Severe hypotension (low blood pressure) may occur with this medicine. It could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly, sweating, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. Newborn babies and infants may be more likely to have this serious side effect. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child has bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms, dark urine, difficulty breathing, fever, headache, pale skin, rapid heart rate, sore throat, trouble breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate:

Other side effects

Some side effects of sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate: intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Hypotension, tachycardia, palpitations, dysrhythmia, severe hypotension, cyanosis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Methemoglobinemia, prolonged bleeding time^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Syncope, headache, dizziness, seizures, confusion, coma, lightheadedness, generalized numbness and tingling, salty taste in mouth, warm sensation over body^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Tachypnea, dyspnea^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, diaphoresis^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fatigue, weakness, death

Local

• Frequency not reported: Injection site tingling^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Anxiety, confusion, disorientation

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Acidosis

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision

See also:

Further information

Sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer