MedicinePOMEssential

Sodium Nitrite

An injected antidote used with sodium thiosulfate for life-threatening cyanide poisoning.

Clinical information

Common uses

acute cyanide poisoning (with sodium thiosulfate)

Common side effects

fainting and low blood pressure
fast heartbeat or palpitations
headache and dizziness
blurred vision
methaemoglobinaemia (blood carries less oxygen)

Cautions

boxed warning: can cause life-threatening low blood pressure
boxed warning: forms methaemoglobin, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity
extra caution in smoke inhalation or anaemia
breastfeeding not recommended during treatment

Pregnancy: given if needed — untreated cyanide poisoning can be fatal

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, sodium nitrite injection label, setid 52f01c6e-172a-47a9-98a6-9eab7651a032 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations1

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Sodium Nitrite Injection	Parenteral ( Injection )	30 mg/ml in 10-ml ampule	—	POM