amyl nitrate
vasodilator
Amyl nitrate is chemically related to nitroglycerin and has been used for many years to treat angina pectoris. It is also effective in the emergency management of cyanide poisoning by causing the oxidation of hemoglobin to the compound methemoglobin. Methemoglogbin reacts with the cyanide ion to form cyanomethemoglogin, which has less affinity for oxygen, thus freeing hemoglogin to react with oxygen.
30 seconds inhaled
3-20 minutes
Cyanide poisoning
May be used in the treatment of symptomatic angina pectoris.
None when used for cyanide poisoning.
Use caution when treating poisoning with a combination of cyanide and carbon monoxide.
Hypotension, tachycardia, palpitations, syncope, headache, nausea
None significant
0.3 ml/glass ampule (capsule covered with woven gauze).
Glass ampule should be broken and inhaled for 30-60 seconds. Repeat as necessary
same as adult
Pregnancy Safety: Category C
Frequently abused (claimed to be an aphrodisiac)
Also known as "amy"
Cyanide poisoning often produces a bitter almond breath ordor ( not all persons can detect the odor).