Nitroprusside Injection

What is this medication?

NITROPRUSSIDE (nye troe PRUS ide) treats high blood pressure and heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called nitrates.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): NIPRIDE RTU, Nitropress

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Eye disease
• Head injury
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts, such as red blood cells
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nitroprusside, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for infusion into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain medications for erectile dysfunction
• Riociguat

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• General anesthetics, such as halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
• High acid level—trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue, confusion, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting
• Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Facial flushing, redness
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.