Sodium Nitrite And Sodium Thiosulfate

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NITHIODOTE is indicated for the treatment of acute cyanide poisoning that is judged to be serious or life-threatening. When the diagnosis of cyanide poisoning is uncertain, carefully weigh the potentially life-threatening risks associated with NITHIODOTE against the potential benefits, especially if the patient is not in extremis. NITHIODOTE, an antidote, is indicated for the treatment of acute cyanide poisoning that is judged to be serious or life-threatening. ( 1 ) Use with caution if the diagnosis of cyanide poisoning is uncertain. ( 1 )

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS There have been no controlled clinical trials conducted to systematically assess the adverse events profile of sodium nitrite or sodium thiosulfate. The medical literature has reported the following adverse events in association with sodium nitrite or sodium thiosulfate administration. These adverse events were not reported in the context of controlled trials or with consistent monitoring and reporting methodologies for adverse events. Therefore, frequency of occurrence of these adverse events cannot be assessed.

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Life-sustaining therapy should not be withheld. Cyanide poisoning is a medical emergency in pregnancy, which can be fatal for the pregnant woman and fetus if left untreated (see Clinical Considerations ). Therefore, if a pregnant woman has known or suspected cyanide poisoning, Sodium Nitrite Injection for sequential use with Sodium Thiosulfate Injection is recommended [see Indications and Usage (1) ].

WARNING: LIFE THREATENING HYPOTENSION AND METHEMOGLOBIN FORMATION Sodium nitrite can cause serious adverse reactions and death in humans, even at doses less than twice the recommended therapeutic dose. Sodium nitrite causes hypotension and methemoglobin formation, which diminishes oxygen carrying capacity. Hypotension and methemoglobin formation can occur concurrently or separately. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Methemoglobinemia: Sodium nitrite reacts with hemoglobin to form methemoglobin and should be used with caution in patients known to have anemia. Monitor oxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin levels by pulse co-oximetry or other measurements. Optimally, the sodium nitrite dose should be reduced in proportion to the oxygen carrying capacity. ( 5.2 ) Smoke inhalation: Carbon monoxide contained in smoke can result in the formation of carboxyhemoglobin that can reduce the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Sodium nitrite should be used with caution in patients with smoke inhalation injury because of the potential for worsening hypoxia due to methemoglobin formation. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None. ( 4 )