Amyl nitrite inhalant

Amyl nitrite inhalant is a prescription medication used for acute relief of angina, and for reversal of cyanide poisoning. 

• Amyl nitrite inhalant is available under the following different brand names: Amyl Nitrite.

Common side effects of Amyl nitrite inhalant include:

• dizziness,
• light-headedness,
• fast pulse,
• flushing of face and neck,
• headache,
• nausea,
• vomiting, and
• restlessness

Serious side effects of Amyl nitrite inhalant include:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• unusual tiredness,
• weakness,
• bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms of hands,
• dizziness,
• fainting,
• shortness of breath, and
• weak and fast heartbeat

Rare side effects of Amyl nitrite inhalant include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Liquid for inhalation

• 0.3 mL (0.85-103%) crushable glass ampule
• Acute Relief of Angina
• Adult dosage
• 0.3 mL by inhalation of crushed ampule, may repeat every 3-5 mins
• Wave crushed ampule under nose multiple times for 2-6 nasal inhalations
• Cyanide Poisoning
• Adult dosage
• 0.3 mL ampule crushed, and contents poured onto a gauze and placed in front of patient's mouth or endotracheal tube, if the patient is intubated, inhale for over 15-30 sec; repeat every minute until IV sodium nitrite is available
• Each ampul lasts approximately 3 min; separate administration by at least 30 sec to allow the patient to adequate oxygenate

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Amyl nitrite inhalant has severe interactions with the following drug:
  • riociguat
• Amyl nitrite inhalant has serious interactions with the following drugs:
  • avanafil
  • cabergoline
  • ergoloid mesylates
  • ergotamine
  • lofexidine
  • methylergonovine
  • sildenafil
  • tadalafil
  • vardenafil
• Amyl nitrite inhalant has moderate interactions with the following drugs:
  • arginine
  • benazepril
  • bretylium
  • bupivacaine implant
  • captopril
  • dapsone topical
  • nitroglycerin rectal
  • tetracaine
• Amyl nitrite inhalant has minor interactions with no other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to organic nitrates
• Recent use (last 24 hours) sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), or other phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use
• Caution in narrow-angle glaucoma (controversial: may not be clinically significant)
• Severe anemia
• Recent head trauma

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Amyl nitrite inhalant?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Amyl nitrite inhalant?”
• Cautions
• AMI, alcohol use, hyperthyroidism, cardiomyopathy, increased ICP (.g, head, trauma, cerebral hemorrhage-potential contraindication), increased IOP, postural hypotension, volume depletion, low systolic BP
• Inability to relieve chest pain after 3 doses may mean AMI rush to ER if possible
• Avoid excessive, prolonged hypotension
• Withdraw gradually to avoid acute angina
• The patient should be sitting down during & immediately after inhaling
• Do not change brands unintentionally as not all are bioequivalent
• Treat drug-induced headaches with aspirin or acetaminophen
• Provide nitrate-free intervals (10-12 hours or overnight) to avoid the development of tolerance
• Protect from light

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy. Do not use in pregnancy for angina.

Lactation:

• Use caution; not known whether the drug crosses into breast milk