Master Sodium Nitroprusside (Nitropress) with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Sodium nitroprusside breaks down in the blood to release nitric oxide, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and blood vessel dilation. This causes venous and arterial dilation (arterioles more than venules), lowering blood pressure (along with preload and afterload), while increasing oxygen and blood delivery to tissues.

This drug is infused intravenously in cases of acute hypertensive emergencies or in cases of malignant hypertension. Sodium nitroprusside’s effects are seen within a few minutes.

The most serious potential side effect of sodium nitroprusside is cyanide poisoning. The conversion of sodium nitroprusside to nitric oxide produces cyanide as a byproduct. The liver can metabolize cyanide in small amounts, but its metabolic capacity can be overwhelmed by overdosing or prolonged use, leading to cyanide poisoning. This drug should be used cautiously in those with liver disease.

Thiocyanate toxicity can also occur with sodium nitroprusside administration (as it is a byproduct of cyanide metabolism). It has a slower onset than cyanide toxicity, but occurs more frequently. If the drug is given too rapidly or for prolonged periods, it can occur in patients with renal failure. Patients display confusion, psychosis, cramps, seizure, and possibly coma.

Due to the potent decrease in total peripheral resistance, this drug can lead to the side effect of severe hypotension. Because of this rapid and profound decrease in blood pressure, patients need continuous blood pressure monitoring for hypotension.

Due to the possibility for toxicity, sodium nitroprusside should be given as short term administration in infusion intervals of less than 3 days.

Sodium nitroprusside is sensitive to certain wavelengths of light and should be placed in a container for light sensitive medications. Dark colored solutions should be discarded, as this color means that the medication was damaged by light.

Patients may need an arterial line, or a monitoring device to check their blood pressure while sodium nitroprusside is infusing. Because of the hypotensive effects, patients need continuous blood pressure monitoring.