Amyl nitrite, cyanide poisoning

For cyanide and cyanogen, antidote should be administered as soon as possible. The Lilly Cyanide Antidote Kit contains amyl nitrite, sodium nitrite, and sodium thiosulfate. Cobalt edentate or 4-dimethylaminophenol are alternative antidotes for cyanide poisoning. Benzodiazepines or barbiturates may be required to control severe seizures. 

Thisis due to hydrogen sulfide gas being generated in the stomach.lt is a bit unpleasant, but not dangerous. If you feel yourself developing the symptoms of cyanide poisoning, break an ampoule of amyl nitrite and inhale its contents. Seek medical attention. The foregoing does not mean that with the antidotes you can inhale fumes with impunity, only that you prob-... 

Hydrogen cyanide is extremely toxic hy ingestion, inhalation, skin absorption, and all routes of exposure. An oral dose of 50 mg could be lethal to humans (Patnaik, P. 1999. A Comprehensive Guide to the Hazardous Properties of Chemical Substances, 2nd ed.. New York John Wiley). Symptoms from acute poisoning include labored breathing, shortness of breath, paralysis, unconsciousness, and respiratory failure. Lower doses can cause headache, nausea and vomiting. Oral LDsoin mice is 3.7 mg/kg. Amyl nitrite is an effective antidote. 

Treatment of cyanide poisoning includes rapid administration of activated charcoal (although charcoal binds cyanide poorly, it can reduce absorption) and general supportive care. The conventional antidote kit available in the USA includes two forms of nitrite (amyl nitrite and sodium nitrite) and sodium thiosulfate. The nitrites induce methemoglobinemia, which binds to free CI T creating the less toxic cyanomethemoglobin thiosulfate is a cofactor in the enzymatic conversion of CN to the much less toxic thiocyanate (SCINT). Recently, the FDA approved a concentrated form of hydroxocobalamin, which is now available as the Cyanokit (EMD Pharmaceuticals, Durham, North Carolina). Hydroxocobalamin (one form of vitamin B12) combines rapidly with CN to form cyanocobalamin (another form of vitamin B12). 

Hydrogen cyanide can be purchased from Fumico Inc., Amarillo, Texas. When large amounts of HCN are used, it is recommended that amyl nitrite pearls and an oxygen cylinder with mask be available. These in combination are effective antidotes for HCN poisoning. The checkers prepared HCN according to the method of K. Ziegler.4 The use of smaller quantities of HCN results in slower reaction and reduced yield. 

Amyl nitrite is also considered an antidote for cyanide poisoning and is usually one of three medica-... 

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the U.S. military consider cyanide a possible weapon of so-called rogue nations such as Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, and terrorist groups. Iraq is believed to have used cyanide to kill thousands in the 1980s during its war with Iran and against Kurds in northern Iraq. With this in mind, the possibility of an antidote takes on added importance. However, the effectiveness of amyl nitrite as an antidote for cyanide poisoning has come under question by some medical authorities. The U.S. military removed amyl nitrite from its cyanide antidote kits, because of adverse side effects (low blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches) and other concerns. 

Cyanide poisoning is treated with attention to airway and cardiopulmonary management. Cyanide poisoning is treated with a specific antidote of amyl nitrite perles, sodium nitrite, and sodium thiosulfate. 

Amyl nitrite, despite its name, is also used as a nitrate. It is a yellowish liquid taken by inhalation of its vapor for angina pectoris. It has also been used to treat cyanide poisoning, but is nowadays used exclusively as a substance of abuse. Although it is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, it is sold over the counter in glass ampoules to be used as a room deodorizer or incense. It is known under numerous different nicknames and brand names, including snappers, poppers. Rush, Kix, Liquid gold. Locker room. Hardware, Ram, Thrust, and Rock Hard. 

Amyl Nitrite. U5P. Amyl nitrite, i.sopentyl nitrite (CH])jCHCH2CH20N0]. is a mixture of isomeric amyl nitrites but is principally i.soamyl nitrite. It may be prepared from amyl alcohol and nitrous acid by several procerlures. Usually, amyl nitrite is dispensed in ampul form and u.scd by inhalation or orally in alcohol solution. Currently, it is recommended for treating cyanide poisoning although not the be.st antidote, it does not require intravenous injections. 

Donoghue AM (2003) Alternative methods of administering amyl nitrite to victims of cyanide poisoning, journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 60(2) 147-148. 

Sodium nitrite or amyl nitrite can be used in cyanide poisoning. They promote formation of methemoglobin, which binds CN ions, forming cyanomethemogiobin. This prevents the inhibitory action of CN on complex IV of the electron transport chain. Cyanomethemogiobin is then reconverted to... 

Remove victim to fresh air if he is not breathing, give artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth if symptoms of cyanide poisoning are observed, administer amyl nitrite as instructed for HCN. 

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