Nitroprusside Flashcards

What is the drug class of Nitroprusside?

What is the trade name of Nitroprusside?

What are the therapeutic uses of Nitroprusside?

Which of the following are common side effects of Nitroprusside? (Select all that apply)

What life-threatening reactions can occur with Nitroprusside?

Do not mix Nitroprusside with any other drug in a syringe or solution.

What is the route of administration for Nitroprusside?

The typical dose range for Nitroprusside is ___ mcg/kg/min, with a maximum dose of ___ mcg/kg/min.

How must the IV bottle or bag containing Nitroprusside be protected?

What discoloration of the Nitroprusside solution indicates degradation?

What risk do patients face when Nitroprusside is infused at the maximum dose for more than 10 minutes?

What should be given as soon as possible to allow for the slow tapering of Nitroprusside?

Nitroprusside Overview

Class: Vasodilator, used primarily to lower blood pressure quickly.
Trade Name: Known commercially as Nipride.

Therapeutic Uses

Indicated for hypertensive crises, allowing for a rapid decrease in systemic vascular resistance.
Aims to improve cardiac performance and reduce arterial blood pressure during emergencies.

Side Effects

Common reactions include dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, sweating, palpitations, weakness, and vomiting.

Life-threatening and Other Adverse Reactions

Life-threatening conditions include severe hypotension, loss of consciousness, and profound cardiovascular depression.
Other serious concerns comprise thiocyanate toxicity, presenting as hypotension, tinnitus, dyspnea, blurred vision, and metabolic acidosis.

Precautions

True statement: Nitroprusside must not be mixed with any drug in a syringe or solution.
Administered solely through IV route.

Dosage Information

Typical dosage range is 5 mcg/kg/min, with a maximum allowance of 10 mcg/kg/min.

Light Sensitivity

Nitroprusside is rapidly inactivated by light; IV bottles or bags should be wrapped in aluminum foil or opaque material to prevent degradation.

Solution Degradation

A faint brown tint is usual; however, a blue or brown discoloration indicates degradation and the need for disposal.

Risk of Toxicity

If infused at the maximum dose of 10 mcg/kg/min for over 10 minutes, patients are at risk for toxicity due to elevated serum thiocyanate or cyanide levels.
Monitoring of serum thiocyanate levels is essential every 24 to 72 hours for those on prolonged infusions exceeding 2 mcg/kg/min.

Transitioning Therapy

Oral antihypertensive agents should be initiated as soon as possible to allow for a gradual tapering off of nitroprusside therapy.

This quiz provides flashcards on Nitroprusside, a medication used as a vasodilator. Dive into its drug class, trade name, therapeutic uses, and potential side effects. Perfect for those studying pharmacology or preparing for medical examinations.