Drug interactions
Nitric oxide + Sodium nitroprusside
Severity: Major
Nitric oxide and Sodium nitroprusside: major interaction.
Last updated
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.
Summary
Both agents release nitric oxide and can raise methemoglobin levels. Combined use may increase the risk of clinically significant methemoglobinemia and impaired oxygen delivery.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nitric oxide and Sodium nitroprusside can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Nitric oxide belongs to Genitourinary; Sodium nitroprusside belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Nitric oxide and its metabolites oxidize hemoglobin iron to methemoglobin, an additive effect.
What to do
Monitor methemoglobin levels and oxygenation during co-administration. Reduce or stop the nitric oxide if methemoglobin rises.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Nitric oxide
Other interactions of Sodium nitroprusside
- Avanafil + Sodium nitroprusside Contraindicated
- Sildenafil + Sodium nitroprusside Major
- Sodium nitroprusside + Tadalafil Major
- Sodium nitroprusside + Vardenafil Major
- Amlodipine + Sodium nitroprusside Moderate
- Benazepril + Sodium nitroprusside Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nitric oxide with Sodium nitroprusside?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nitric oxide and Sodium nitroprusside can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both agents release nitric oxide and can raise methemoglobin levels. Combined use may increase the risk of clinically significant methemoglobinemia and impaired oxygen delivery.
How serious is the interaction between Nitric oxide and Sodium nitroprusside?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor methemoglobin levels and oxygenation during co-administration. Reduce or stop the nitric oxide if methemoglobin rises.
What other medicines interact with Nitric oxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nitric oxide with, for example, Prilocaine. The full list is on the Nitric oxide page.
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