CLINICAL USE
Hypertensive crisis Heart failure Controlled hypotension in surgery
DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION
0.3–8 micrograms/kg/minute Maintenance of blood pressure: 20–400 mcg/minuteHeart failure: 10–200 mcg/minute Controlled blood pressure in surgery: maximum 1.5 mcg/kg/minute
PHARMACOKINETICS
DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT
GFR (mL/MIN)
DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS
Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs
ADMINISTRATION
Reconstition
2–3 mL glucose 5%
Route
IV
Rate of Administration
10–400 micrograms/minute, adjusted according to response
Comments
Dilute 50 mg in 250–1000 mL glucose 5% to give a concentration of 50–200 mcg/mLMinimum volume is 1 mg/mL via central line. (UK Critical Care Group Minimum Infusion Volumes for fluid restricted critically ill patients, 3rd Edition, 2006)Wrap syringes and lines in foil to protect from light
OTHER INFORMATION
Sodium nitroprusside is rapidly metabolised to cyanogen which is converted to thiocyanateAvoid prolonged use in renal impairment because accumulation of thiocyanate (which is dialysable) may cause seizures or a comaMonitor thiocyanate and cyanide levels Do not stop infusion abruptly – tail off over 10–30 minutessodium nitroprusside.