Drug reference
sodium nitroprusside
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (Vasodilators)
Mechanism of action
Relaxes vascular smooth muscle to reduce afterload and preload by producing NO, Dilates coronary arteries
Common side effects
- Restlessness
- Bradyarrhythmia
- Tachyarrhythmia
- Hypotension
- Sweating
- Muscle twitch
Boxed warnings
- Not suitable for direct injection; requires dilution prior to infusion Hypotension may occur, leading to irreversible ischemic injury or death; requires appropriate monitoring equipment and experienced personnel Cyanide toxicity may occur because of accumulation of cyanide ion
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity Compensatory HTN (eg, arteriovenous shunt or aortic coarctation); (for controlled hypotension): inadequate cerebral circulation Certain rare conditions, eg, congenital optic atrophy, tobacco amblyopia Treatment of acute CHF associated with reduced peripheral vascular resis…
Known interactions (1)
- avanafil + sodium nitroprusside Contraindicated
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is sodium nitroprusside?
sodium nitroprusside belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does sodium nitroprusside work?
Relaxes vascular smooth muscle to reduce afterload and preload by producing NO, Dilates coronary arteries
What are the common side effects of sodium nitroprusside?
Restlessness, Bradyarrhythmia, Tachyarrhythmia, Hypotension, Sweating, Muscle twitch
Which drugs interact with sodium nitroprusside?
avanafil
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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