Nitropress (Nitroprusside Sodium) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Nitropress

High Blood Pressure »

High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

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Nitropress

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Nitropress Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Nitropress

Generic Name: nitroprusside (Pronunciation: nye troe PRUS ide)

What is nitroprusside (Nitropress)?

Nitroprusside is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). This lowers blood pressure and allows blood to flow more easily through your veins and arteries.

Nitroprusside is used to treat congestive heart failure and life-threatening high blood pressure (hypertension). Nitroprusside is also used to keep blood pressure low during a surgery.

Nitroprusside may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of nitroprusside (Nitropress)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling extremely light-headed, even while lying down;
confusion, ringing in your ears;
fainting, breathing that stops;
gasping or struggling to breathe;
dizziness with nausea and vomiting, confusion, rapid breathing, and seizure;
tremors, chills, bowel or bladder urgency;
fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
easy bruising or bleeding; or
muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

skin rash;
warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
darkening or deeper color of veins through your skin; or
pain or irritation where the needle is placed.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about nitroprusside (Nitropress)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to nitroprusside, or if you have hereditary vision loss (Leber's disease), vision problems caused by smoking, or a history of blood clot in your brain.

Before receiving nitroprusside, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), liver disease, anemia (a lack of red blood cells), a seizure disorder, or a history of head injury or brain tumor.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a nitroprusside overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, severe dizziness, headache, muscle twitching, fast or pounding heartbeat, restless feeling, and chest or back pain.

Tell your caregivers right away about any serious side effects such as breathing problems, tremors or chills, numbness or cold feeling in your hands or feet, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, muscle pain or weakness, confusion, feeling extremely light-headed, or fainting.

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