Eng., Sodium Nitrite. Formula NaNO2.

Form

White or nearly white masses, pencils or colorless crystals.

Odor And Taste

Odorless; a mild saline taste.

Solubility

In about 1.5 parts of water, slightly soluble in alcohol.

Incompatibles

Acetanilide, antipyrine, chlorates, chromates, gold chloride, hypophosphites, iodides, mercury salts, permanganates, sulphites, tannic acid.

Average Dose

1 grain (0.06 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Circulatory depressant.

Uses

Used to lower blood-pressure in the treatment of angina pectoris, chronic nephritis, etc.

Administration

The dosage as recommended in many works on practice is probably much too high for the average case. It is better to begin with a small dose and gradually increase as the tolerance of the patient is ascertained.

Sodium Nitrite is prescribed in solution and should be well diluted before being administered. It is frequently associated with Sodium Iodide.

In the treatment of hypertension:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful with water or milk two hours after meals.

Or:

M.

Sig

Begin with ten (10) drops as directed.