Generic Name: nitric oxide (inhalation gas) (NYE trik OX ide)Brand Names: INOmax
Nitric oxide is a gas that is inhaled. It works by relaxing smooth muscle to widen (dilate) blood vessels, especially in the lungs.
Nitric oxide is used together with a breathing machine (ventilator) to treat respiratory failure in premature babies.
Nitric oxide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Your baby will receive this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar hospital setting.
Nitric oxide is inhaled into the baby's lungs through the mouth or nose. Your baby may also be using a breathing tube connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs to help your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen).
Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with nitric oxide.What should I discuss with my health care provider before my child receives nitric oxide?To best participate in the care of your baby while he or she is in the NICU, carefully follow all instructions provided by your baby's caregivers.Nitric oxide is inhaled into the baby's lungs through the mouth or nose. Your baby will receive this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar hospital setting.
Your baby may also be using a breathing tube connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs to help your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen).
Nitric oxide is usually given for up to 14 days. You baby may need to be weaned off this medication slowly, using less and less before treatment is stopped completely.
Your baby's breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely during treatment with nitric oxide.Since nitric oxide is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that your baby will miss a dose.
Since nitric oxide is given in a controlled medical setting by a healthcare professional, an overdose is not likely to occur. However, an overdose of nitric oxide is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions in feeding, medications, or activity after your baby has been treated with nitric oxide.
These problems may require further treatment by health care professionals. Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with nitric oxide.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Respiratory Failure:
Neonatal Hypoxic Respiratory Failure:Neonates exceeding 34 weeks of age and less than 14 days old: The recommended dose of nitric oxide for inhalation is 20 ppm. Treatment should be maintained up to 14 days or until the underlying oxygen desaturation has resolved and the neonate is ready to be weaned from nitric oxide therapy.Maximum Dose: Doses greater than 20 ppm ordinarily should not be used.
Your baby's caregivers will manage and monitor all medications given to your baby during treatment in the NICU. A drug interaction between nitric oxide and other medications is not expected to occur.
Do not give any medications to your baby that have not been prescribed by the baby's doctor. This includes vitamins, minerals, or herbal products.