Pharmacology definition - Nitroprusside
Nitroprusside
Nitroprusside is useful in treating condition such as severe cardiac failure or in acute management of the hypertensive crisis. Nitroprusside may lead to relaxation of the smooth muscle by the action of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is form by metabolism of nitroprusside in the blood stream. Nitric oxide will lead to an increase in the cGMP synthesis due to guanylate cyclase stimulation. Deactivation and dephosphorylation of the myosin light chain may occur due to elevation cGMP. These will finally lead to reduction in preload/ venous return and peripheral vascular resistance.
Nitroprusside carries the risk of developing cyanide toxicity. Cyanide toxicity may occur due to hydrolysis of nitroprusside( formation of nitroprusside metabolites/ thiocyanate) in the gastrointestinal tract. This condition can be treated with thiosulfate.
Other common side effects of nitroprusside may include metabolic acidosis, orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias.
Nitroprusside is useful in treating condition such as severe cardiac failure or in acute management of the hypertensive crisis. Nitroprusside may lead to relaxation of the smooth muscle by the action of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is form by metabolism of nitroprusside in the blood stream. Nitric oxide will lead to an increase in the cGMP synthesis due to guanylate cyclase stimulation. Deactivation and dephosphorylation of the myosin light chain may occur due to elevation cGMP. These will finally lead to reduction in preload/ venous return and peripheral vascular resistance.
Nitroprusside carries the risk of developing cyanide toxicity. Cyanide toxicity may occur due to hydrolysis of nitroprusside( formation of nitroprusside metabolites/ thiocyanate) in the gastrointestinal tract. This condition can be treated with thiosulfate.
Other common side effects of nitroprusside may include metabolic acidosis, orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias.
