AMYL NITRITE INHALANT

Brand & Generic Names

Amyl Nitrate Inhalant

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Coronary vasodilator

Uses

Treats angina pectoris attacks. Note: Don't use amyl nitrite expecting a "high" or as an aphrodisiac. Serious, harmful side effects may occur when amyl nitrate is abused.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Cover the glass capsule with a protective cloth and then crush between your fingers. Inhale 1 to 6 times. Remain seated while you inhale. Repeat dose in 5 minutes if needed.

When to take:
Only when chest pain occurs. If relief doesn't occur with first capsule within 5 minutes, crush another. If inhaling 2 capsules in 10 minutes doesn't bring relief, go to emergency room.

If you forget a dose:
No set dosage schedule. Use only when needed.

What drug does:
Relaxes coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 5 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Blue lips, fingernails; dizziness, fainting, head pressure, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Continuing fast heartbeat, pulse; headache, flushed face, restlessness.

Infrequent:

Dizziness, lightheadedness.

Rare:

Continuing dizziness, skin rash.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You have had a recent head injury.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you are anemic.
• If you have glaucoma.
• If you have overactive thyroid.
• If you have had a recent myocardial infarction.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. You may need smaller doses for shorter periods of time.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
No documented problems. Best to avoid.

Infants & children:
Effect not documented. Consult your pediatrician.

Prolonged use:
Request follow-up studies to check liver function, kidney function, blood counts, platelet counts, heart function and blood pressure.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel confused, drowsy or dizzy.

Discontinuing:
None expected.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• May affect results in some medical tests.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

WHAT TO DO	Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately. See EMERGENCY Information.
OR DRUG CLASS	COMBINED EFFECT
-----------------------	------------------------------
Antihypertensives*	Increased side effects of fainting
	and dizziness.
Sympathomimetics*	Reduces amyl nitrite effects.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Excess lightheadedness.
Coffee, tea, cocoa.	Reduces amyl nitrite effects.
Cocaine:	Central nervous system toxicity.
	Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Excess central nervous system
	stimulation. Avoid.
Tobacco:	No special problems expected.