Sodium Nitrite/sodium Thiosulfate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 14, 2024.

Applies to sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate: intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (solution)

Sodium nitrite can cause serious adverse reactions and death from hypotension and methemoglobin formation.

Patients should be closely monitored to ensure adequate perfusion and oxygenation during treatment with sodium nitrite.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate:

Incidence not known

• bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
• blurred vision
• change in consciousness
• confusion
• dark urine
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• fainting
• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• headache
• lightheadedness
• loss of consciousness
• nausea
• numbness and tingling sensation
• pale skin
• rapid heart rate
• rapid shallow breathing
• seizures
• sore throat
• sweating
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Other side effects

Some side effects of sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• anxiety
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• headache
• hives or welts, itching, skin rash
• increased sweating
• redness of the skin
• salty taste in your mouth
• stomach pain
• tingling sensation at the injection site
• warm sensation over your body

For healthcare professionals

Applies to sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate: intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Hypotension, tachycardia, palpitations, dysrhythmia, severe hypotension, cyanosis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Methemoglobinemia, prolonged bleeding time^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Syncope, headache, dizziness, seizures, confusion, coma, lightheadedness, generalized numbness and tingling, salty taste in mouth, warm sensation over body^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Tachypnea, dyspnea^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, diaphoresis^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fatigue, weakness, death

Local

• Frequency not reported: Injection site tingling^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Anxiety, confusion, disorientation

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Acidosis

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision

Further information

Sodium nitrite/sodium thiosulfate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer