Amyl Nitrite
Pronunciation: (A-mill NYE-trite)Class: Vasodilator, Nitrate
Trade Names:Amyl Nitrite- Inhalant 0.3 mL
Pharmacology
Nonspecific relaxation of smooth muscle.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed through pulmonary alveoli.
Metabolism
Probably by hydrolytic denitration.
Elimination
Approximately 33% is excreted in the urine.
Onset
0.5 min
Duration
3 to 5 min.
Indications and Usage
Rapid relief of angina pectoris.
Contraindications
Cerebral hemorrhage, glaucoma, recent head trauma, pregnancy.
Dosage and Administration
AdultInhalation 0.3 mL as needed; 2 to 6 inhalations from 1 capsule are usually sufficient. May be repeated in 3 to 5 min.
General Advice
- Crush capsule between fingers while holding capsule away from patient's face.
- With patient in seated or lying position, hold crushed capsule under patient's nose and have patient inhale vapors until angina symptoms relieved (2 to 6 inhalations).
- When being administered by someone other than patient, use caution to avoid having patient inhale excessive amounts of drug.
Storage/Stability
Store capsules in refrigerator (36° to 46°F). Protect from light and sources of ignition.
Drug Interactions
AlcoholSevere hypotension and CV collapse may occur.
AspirinIncreased nitrate concentration and actions may occur.
Calcium channel blockersSymptomatic orthostatic hypotension may occur.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil)Because the hypotensive effects of nitrates may be potentiated, concomitant use of any form of organic nitrates is contraindicated in patients receiving phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.
Laboratory Test Interactions
May cause false report of reduced serum cholesterol with Zlatkis-Zak color reaction.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular
Hypotension, syncope, tachycardia.
CNS
Dizziness, headache, restlessness, weakness.
Dermatologic
Flushing.
GI
Nausea, vomiting.
Hematologic
Methemoglobinemia.
Miscellaneous
Cold sweat, involuntary passing of urine and feces, pallor.
Precautions
Pregnancy
Category C .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
Safety and efficacy not established.
Angina
May aggravate angina caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Drug abuse
May be abused for sexual stimulation or for effects of dizziness, euphoria, and light-headedness.
Flammable
Amyl nitrite is very flammable; do not use where it may become ignited.
Methemoglobinemia
High doses may produce methemoglobinemia, especially in patients with methemoglobin reductase deficiency.
Orthostatic hypotension
May occur even with small doses, particularly if patient is standing immobile; alcohol accentuates this reaction.
Tolerance
May develop with repeated use for prolonged periods of time; minimize tolerance by beginning with smallest effective dose and alternating with another coronary vasodilator.
Overdosage
Symptoms
Violent flushing of the face accompanied by a feeling of imminent bursting of the head and very excessive heart action, a feeling of suffocation, and muscular weakness.
Patient Information
- Advise patient to review patient information leaflet carefully before starting therapy and to read and check for new information each time the medication is refilled.
- Review with patient and family the signs and symptoms of angina (eg, acute onset of pressure-like chest pain that may radiate down the left arm and/or into the neck or jaw, often associated with sweating and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing).
- Instruct patient in proper use of medication: while sitting or lying down, crush glass capsule between fingers while holding capsule away from face; hold crushed capsule under nose and inhale vapors until symptoms of angina are relieved; discard capsule following use.
- Advise patient that medication may be repeated in 3 to 5 min if angina symptoms persist or recur. Instruct patient or caregiver to call 911 if angina symptoms worsen or persist after 2 doses of amyl nitrite.
- Advise patient to notify health care provider if angina symptoms increase in frequency or severity, or if there is a sudden increase in the frequency of use of amyl nitrite.
- Caution patient that medication may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, especially if used while standing, or following consumption of alcohol.
- Caution patient to avoid sudden position changes to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
- Instruct patient to notify health care provider if any of the following occur after using amyl nitrite: frequent episodes of dizziness or light-headedness, fainting, intolerable headache, episodes of sweating, nausea and/or vomiting, any unusual or unexplained feeling or sensation.
- Caution patient that amyl nitrite is very flammable and to avoid use where it may become ignited.
- Caution patient that this medication must not be taken during pregnancy or when pregnancy is possible. Advise patient to use reliable form of birth control while taking this drug.
- Advise use of acetaminophen for relief of headache.
- Show patient how to crush capsule. Remind patient not to remove cloth-like covering.
- Show patient how to keep record of usage, including frequency, dosage, and level of pain relief.
- Explain potential for abuse.
- Instruct patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages or other CNS depressants and aspirin.
Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health.
- amyl nitrite Inhalation, oral/nebulization Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information