Nithiodote

Nithiodote is used as an antidote for the treatment of cyanide poisoning. Cyanide poisoning is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

This drug is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional.

Before using Nithiodote, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate injection have not been performed. This drug can be used in children due to life-threatening possibilities of cyanide poisoning.

Recommended doses should not be exceeded, and the patient should be carefully monitored during treatment. Studies in the elderly have not reported any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate injection.

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney problems. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.

Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects.

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems such as anemia, carbon monoxide poisoning, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, heart disease, lung or breathing problems, smoke inhalation injury, hypotension, or kidney disease.

To use Nithiodote properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. A trained healthcare professional will be only to give you or your child this drug in a hospital. This drug is administered intravenously through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Before using Nithiodote, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests. This drug may cause severe hypotension which could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Your healthcare professional will monitor your blood pressure and keep it from going too low while you are receiving this drug. Methemoglobinemia may be rarely caused by this drug, especially in newborn babies and infants.

Your healthcare professional will measure how much methemoglobin is in your blood and keep it from going too high while you are receiving this drug.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Nithiodote. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• Bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
• Blurred vision
• Change in consciousness
• Confusion
• Dark urine
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Dizziness
• Faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• Drowsiness
• Fainting
• Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Fever
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Numbness and tingling sensation
• Pale skin
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid shallow breathing
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Sweating
• Tightness in the chest
• Troubled breathing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vomiting
• or Wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.