How Do Cyanide Antidotes Work?

Cyanide antidotes are drugs used for treating cyanide poisoning. The most common causes of cyanide poisoning are:

• Structural fires
• Industrial exposures
• Medical exposures such as sodium nitroprusside
• Certain foods
• Domestic fires

Cyanide mixes into the bloodstream rapidly. It inhibits oxidative phosphorylation in the cells—a process where oxygen is utilized for energy production—that can cause:

• Hypoxia (a condition where not enough oxygen reaches the cells and tissues in the body)
• Depletion of energy
• Metabolic acidosis (a condition in which there is excess acid in the body fluids)

Cyanide poisoning can result in:

• General weakness
• Confusion
• Bizarre behavior
• Coma
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive sleepiness

Cyanide antidotes usually combine with cyanide to form a less toxic product that can be easily excreted from the body. Cyanide antidotes may also dilate the blood vessels to reduce oxygen demand.

Cyanide antidotes are mainly used to treat cyanide poisoning. Other uses of cyanide antidotes include:

• Short-term relief of angina
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Cyanide antidotes can cause the following side effects:

• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Restlessness
• Rash
• Weakness
• Vasodilation (dilated blood vessels)
• Shock
• Itching
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Dry throat

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of cyanide antidotes include:

• Amyl nitrite
• Cyanide antidote kit
• Cyanokit
• Hydroxocobalamin
• Nithiodote
• Sodium thiosulfate
• Sodium thiosulfate & sodium nitrite