Mechanism of action of sodium nitrite in cyanide poisoning:: (A) Produces methemoglobinemia, (B) Increased blood flow to liver, (C) Increased blood flow to heart, (D) Increased blood flow to kidney
Answer is A. Ans. (A) Produces methemoglobinemia(Ref: KDT 8th/e p591)*Sodium nitroprusside contains one iron molecule coordinated to five cyanide molecules and one molecule of nitric oxide. Prolonged use of sodium nitroprusside may result in cyanide poisoning.*Detoxification occurs when cyanide and methemoglobin combine to form cyanomethemoglobin. Amyl nitrite or sodium nitrite enhance the oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin, ensuring a reliable mechanism of detoxification.