Question 1

What is Sodium Nitrite used for?

Accepted Answer

Sodium Nitrite is indicated for: Cyanide poisoning, Cyanide poisoning (non-smoke inhalation).

Question 2

What routes can Sodium Nitrite be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: IV.

Question 3

Which species have cited Sodium Nitrite dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Sodium Nitrite dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Sodium Nitrite a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Sodium Nitrite is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Sodium Nitrite?

Accepted Answer

Creates controlled methemoglobinemia — dangerous if overdosed. Monitor methemoglobin levels. Do not use in smoke inhalation (already elevated carboxyhemoglobin).

Question 6

What are the side effects of Sodium Nitrite?

Accepted Answer

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Sodium Nitrite: Creates controlled methemoglobinemia — dangerous if overdosed. Monitor methemoglobin levels. Do not use in smoke inhalation (already elevated carboxyhemoglobin).

Question 7

How does Sodium Nitrite work?

Accepted Answer

Oxidizes hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which has high affinity for cyanide, forming cyanmethemoglobin and freeing cytochrome oxidase. Combined with sodium thiosulfate.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	10–20 mg/kg	Single slow IV dose	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; ASPCA Toxicology
Cat (Domestic)	IV	5–10 mg/kg	Single slow IV dose (use with extreme caution)	Weak	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sodium Nitrite

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Sodium Nitrite dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by 2 published sources

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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