Amyl nitrite

Amyl nitrite is a volatile alkyl nitrite that relaxes vascular smooth muscle. It was formerly used to relieve angina and is used in cyanide poisoning treatment and recreationally as an inhalant.

Nitric oxide: A signaling molecule that relaxes smooth muscle and regulates blood vessel tone. Amyl nitrite releases nitric oxide, which drives its rapid vascular relaxation.
Cyanide antidote: A treatment that counteracts cyanide toxicity by restoring cellular oxygen use or binding cyanide. Amyl nitrite has served as one component of antidote kits, though newer regimens are preferred.
Glyceryl trinitrate: A nitrate medicine that dilates blood vessels and is used to treat and prevent angina. It replaced amyl nitrite for angina because it is easier to administer and lasts longer.
Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure that can reduce blood flow to vital organs. Amyl nitrite’s vasodilation can cause dizziness, fainting, or dangerously low blood pressure.
Vasodilation: Widening of blood vessels through relaxation of their muscular walls. This is the immediate physiological effect behind amyl nitrite’s historical use for angina.
Hydroxocobalamin: A form of vitamin B12 that binds cyanide to form cyanocobalamin. It is a modern cyanide antidote that avoids deliberately impairing oxygen-carrying hemoglobin.
Isosorbide dinitrate: A nitrate vasodilator used to prevent angina and treat heart failure. Unlike amyl nitrite, it offers a longer-lasting oral option for angina prevention.
Methemoglobinemia: A disorder in which excessive methemoglobin reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. The same oxidation used in cyanide treatment can cause oxygen deprivation when excessive.
Methemoglobin: A form of hemoglobin whose iron is oxidized and cannot carry oxygen normally. Amyl nitrite induces methemoglobin, which can bind cyanide during poisoning treatment.
Poppers: Recreational inhalants commonly containing alkyl nitrites, including amyl nitrite. Amyl nitrite is one chemical associated with the products sold as poppers.

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