Amyl Nitrate is one of the vasodilators that cool down the blood vessels as well as increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. It relieves the pain you can get with angina. Amyl nitrite comes as a solution inside a glass capsule. The capsule is cloth covered so that you can squeeze and break the capsule without cutting your fingers. Generic amyl nitrite nasal inhalants are available.
They need to know whether you have the conditions such as anemia, glaucoma, head injury, recent stroke, or bleeding in the brain, low blood pressure, previous heart attack, overactive thyroid, an unusual or allergic reaction to amyl nitrite, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, pregnant or trying to get pregnant and breast-feeding.
Amyl nitrite solution is only for nasal inhalation. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use amyl nitrite at the first sign of an angina attack (chest pain or tightness). Do not remove the woven covering on the glass ampule. Crush the ampule between the fingers and with the patient in a sitting position, pass in front of the nose several times for inhalation of the vapor. Keep in a sitting position after use. Pain relief should occur within 5 minutes. If the pain is still there, use another capsule. If there is still no relief after a second dose, seek medical advice. Do not use this medicine more often than directed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply as amyl nitrite is only for use in an anginal attack.
What drugs may interact with amyl nitrite?
They are alcohol, medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam, medicines for colds and breathing difficulties, medicines for high blood pressure, medicines for mental depression, medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances, medicines for pain, medicines to control heart rhythm, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and water pills.
Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), or Levitra (vardenafil) should not be taken with this medication to avoid severe side effects including very low blood pressure and other complications.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking amyl nitrite?
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are using amyl nitrite. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how amyl nitrite affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Try to remain calm; this will help you to feel better faster. If you feel dizzy, take several deep breaths and lie down with your feet propped up, or bend forward with your head resting between your knees.
What side effects may I notice from using amyl nitrite?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible which are bluish discoloration of lips, fingernails, or palms of hands, dizziness or fainting spells, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, the feeling of extreme pressure in the head and unusual tiredness or weakness.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention which are flushing of the face and neck, headache, nausea, vomiting and restlessness.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
You should keep at a cool temperature between 8 to 15 degrees C. This medicine is highly flammable. Protect from sunlight and avoid excessive heat.