ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/nitroprusside
US brand names:Nipride
Nitroprusside is dosed at 1–5 mcg/kg/min IV CRI (continuous rate infusion) in dogs, per Sumner C, Rozanski E. Management of Respiratory Emergencies in Small Animals. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43(4):799-815. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.03.005 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.968 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Releases nitric oxide, activating guanylyl cyclase in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation of both arteries and veins.
ICU drug — continuous IV infusion with arterial blood pressure monitoring required. Cyanide toxicity risk with prolonged use (>48h). Light-sensitive — wrap in foil. Immediate onset, very short duration.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Nitroprusside CRI dose rule from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.
| Species | Route | Rate | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 1–5 mcg/kg/minCRI (continuous rate infusion) | Acute severe heart failure, hypertensive crisis | Moderate | Sumner C, Rozanski E. Management of Respiratory Emergencies in Small Animals. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43(4):799-815. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.03.005 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.968 (2026-08-01). |
Acute severe heart failure, hypertensive crisis
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 1–5 mcg/kg/min | CRI (continuous rate infusion) | Moderate | Sumner C, Rozanski E. Management of Respiratory Emergencies in Small Animals. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43(4):799-815. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.03.005 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.968 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.