Sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate (By injection)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Because cyanide poisoning can be life-threatening, there is no reason not to use this medicine to treat it.

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using nitroprusside (Nitropress®), procaine (Novocain®), or medicine to treat erectile dysfunction (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, Cialis®, or Viagra®). Tell your doctor if you are using diuretics or "water pills" for high blood pressure (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®).

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, anemia, heart disease, low blood pressure, breathing problems (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD), or a genetic blood disease called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
Severe hypotension (low blood pressure) may occur with this medicine. It could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure and keep it from going too low while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. Your doctor will measure how much methemoglobin is in your blood and keep it from going too high while you are receiving this medicine.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms.
Confusion about identity, place, and time.
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Numbness or tingling sensation in your body.
Seizures.
Shortness of breath or troubled breathing.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Unusual tiredness or weakness.

Last Updated: 1/27/2017