Natriumnitroprussidi

Natriumnitroprussidi is the sodium salt of the nitroprusside anion. Its chemical formula is Na2[Fe(CN)5NO]. It appears as a red crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water. This compound is notable for its use as a potent vasodilator in medicine, primarily for the rapid control of severe hypertension. It works by releasing nitric oxide (NO) in the bloodstream, which causes smooth muscle relaxation and thus lowers blood pressure. Due to its rapid onset and short duration of action, it is typically administered intravenously under continuous monitoring. The administration requires careful titration to avoid excessive hypotension. The nitroprusside anion itself is a complex inorganic ion containing a central iron atom coordinated to five cyanide ligands and one nitroso ligand. While effective, the cyanide component of the molecule poses a risk of cyanide toxicity, particularly with prolonged administration or in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function. Therefore, its use is generally limited to short-term management of hypertensive emergencies and is discontinued as soon as blood pressure is stabilized. It is also used experimentally in research settings to study the effects of nitric oxide.