NITROPRUSSIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Nitroprusside is a chemical compound that is used as a medication primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure emergencies, such as hypertensive crises or malignant hypertension. It belongs to the class of medications known as vasodilators, which work by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, allowing for easier blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
Chemically, nitroprusside is a salt composed of both iron and cyanide ions, with the chemical formula Na2Fe(CN)5NO. It is often prepared as a powder that is dissolved in sterile water before being administered intravenously under medical supervision.
When nitroprusside enters the bloodstream, it releases nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator, which causes the relaxation of smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels. This vasodilation leads to a decrease in blood pressure by reducing the resistance against blood flow.
Nitroprusside is mainly used in emergency settings or critical care units, as it has a rapid onset of action and can quickly lower blood pressure. It is often administered through an intravenous infusion, allowing for precise control of its dosage.
Although effective, nitroprusside should be used cautiously due to its potential for toxic effects. Excessive use or prolonged administration of nitroprusside can lead to the build-up of cyanide levels in the body, which may cause adverse effects such as lactic acidosis, metabolic acidosis, and cyanide poisoning.
Overall, nitroprusside serves as an important tool in managing acute high blood pressure emergencies and requires careful monitoring and administration to ensure the optimal therapeutic benefit while minimizing potential risks.
Common Misspellings for NITROPRUSSIDE
- bitroprusside
- mitroprusside
- jitroprusside
- hitroprusside
- nutroprusside
- njtroprusside
- nktroprusside
- notroprusside
- n9troprusside
- n8troprusside
- nirroprusside
- nifroprusside
- nigroprusside
- niyroprusside
- ni6roprusside
- ni5roprusside
- niteoprusside
- nitdoprusside
- nitfoprusside
- nittoprusside
Etymology of NITROPRUSSIDE
The word "Nitroprusside" is derived from the combination of two components: "Nitro-" and "prusside".
1. "Nitro-" comes from the nitro- group, which is a chemical functional group consisting of a nitrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom with a double bond (NO2-). The term "nitro-" in this context indicates the presence of nitrogen and oxygen in the compound.
2. "Prusside" refers to the chemical compound known as "ferrihexacyanide" or "prussian blue". It is a coordination complex made up of a central iron (III) ion surrounded by cyanide (CN-) ligands. The term "prusside" indicates the presence of prussian blue or ferrihexacyanide in the compound.
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