| Amyl Nitrite Pharmacology |
| Amyl Nitrite |
| About Amyl Nitrite |
| Direct smooth muscle relaxant( vasodilator), Anti anginal ,antidote in cyanide poisoning. |
| Mechanism of Action of Amyl Nitrite |
| It is a direct smooth muscle relaxant. It is enzymatically denitrated in the smooth muscle cells to release the reactive free radical nitric oxide which activates cytosolic guanylyl cyclase thus increases cyclic GMP levels which causes dephosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase(MLCK) through a cyclic GMP dependent protein kinase. Reduced availability of phosphorylated (active) MLCK interferes with activation of myosin and myosin fails to interact with actin to cause contraction and consequently relaxation occurs. Elevated levels of cyclic GMP also reduce calcium entry which also contributing to relaxation. It dilates veins more than arteries because veins have greater amount of enzyme that generate nitric oxide from nitrates. It works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. Cyanide poisoning: Amylnitrate causes the oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Methemoglobin reacts with the cyanide ion to form cyano methemoglobin, which has less affinity for oxygen, thus freeing hemoglobin to react with oxygen. |
| Pharmacokinets of Amyl Nitrite |
| Absorption: It is absorbed after inhalation. |
| Onset of Action for Amyl Nitrite |
| 30 seconds |
| Duration of Action for Amyl Nitrite |
| 3-20 minutes |
| Half Life of Amyl Nitrite |
| N/A |
| Side Effects of Amyl Nitrite |
| 1.Hypotension 2.Tachycardia 3.Palpitations 4.Syncope 5.Headache 6.Dizziness 7.Flushing 8.Nausea 9.Restlessness |
| Contra-indications of Amyl Nitrite |
| Hypersensitivity to Amyl Nitrate |
| Special Precautions while taking Amyl Nitrite |
| 1.Use caution when treating poisoning with a combination of cyanide and carbon monoxide 2.Anemia 3.Glaucoma 4.Thyroid problems 5.Recent stroke 6.Heart attack 7.Head injury |
| Pregnancy Related Information |
| Contraindicated |
| Old Age Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Breast Feeding Related Information |
| Contraindicated |
| Children Related Information |
| May be used |
| Indications for Amyl Nitrite |
| 1.Cyanide poisoning 2.Angina pectoris |
| Interactions for Amyl Nitrite |
| N/A |
| Typical Dosage for Amyl Nitrite |
| Adult: 0.3 milliliter (1ampoule). Inhale the vapor through the nose for 30 – 60 seconds and repeat if necessary within 1 – 5 minutes. Children: same as adult dose |
| Schedule of Amyl Nitrite |
| N/A |
| Storage Requirements for Amyl Nitrite |
| Keep out of the reach of children. Keep away from heat and direct light. |
| Effects of Missed Dosage of Amyl Nitrite |
| Take the missed dose as soon as notices and if it is the time for next dose continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Effects of Overdose of Amyl Nitrite |
| Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. |