Nitrates, Nitrites (Nitrate, Nitroglycerin, etc.)

Nitrates, Nitrites (Nitrate, Nitroglycerin, etc.)

Nitrates and nitrites are inorganic nitric acid compounds widely used in industry, agriculture and medicine.

Nitrates include saltpeter, nitroglycerin and other substances. They have a hematotoxic and hypotensive effect on the body.

The hematotoxic effect consists of direct methemoglobin formation. Methemoglobin cannot carry oxygen, which leads to oxygen starvation of tissues.

The hypotensive effect is associated with relaxation of the smooth muscles of the vascular wall and a drop in blood pressure.

Clinical manifestations of nitrate and nitrite poisoning are mainly caused by methemoglobinemia. First, redness of the skin appears, then cyanosis of the mucous membranes and skin. A sharp drop in blood pressure may occur, leading to the development of acute cardiovascular failure.

Treatment includes:

1. Gastric lavage, forced diuresis.

2. Treatment of methemoglobinemia with the administration of methylene blue.

3. When blood pressure decreases, administer cordiamine, caffeine, and norepinephrine.