Nithiodote

Nithiodote is a combination medicine used in emergencies to treat cyanide poisoning. This type of poisoning can happen if you are exposed to smoke from a house or industrial fire, if you swallow or breathe in cyanide, or if you get cyanide on your skin.

Nithiodote helps the body's cells change cyanide into a form that can be eliminated through urination.

Nithiodote may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

In an emergency, you might not be able to inform caregivers about your health conditions. Ensure that any doctor taking care of you later is aware that you received Nithiodote.

If possible before you receive this medicine, tell your caregivers if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• anemia (low red blood cells);
• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
• low blood pressure; or
• heart disease.

In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received this medicine.

You should not breastfeed while using Nithiodote.

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

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might faint;
• a seizure;
• shortness of breath, tiredness;
• a fast or irregular heart rate, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
• signs of a blood cell disorder--nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, blue-colored skin, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of Nithiodote may include:

• feeling light-headed, loss of consciousness;
• headache, dizziness, confusion;
• blurred vision; or
• fast or pounding heartbeats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Nithiodote is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Nithiodote is usually given as two separate injections.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely.

Since you will get Nithiodote during an emergency, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since Nithiodote is given in a medical setting, you will be monitored closely to ensure you do not receive too much of Nithiodote. Your caregivers will promptly treat you if you show symptoms of an overdose.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

If you can, before getting Nithiodote, inform your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, especially:

• blood pressure medicine;
• a diuretic (water pill); or
• erectile dysfunction medicine such as sildenafil, tadalafil, Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, Stendra, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Nithiodote, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.