l INDICATIONS AND DOSE

Severe poisoning with cyanides

BY INTRAVENOUS INJECTION

 Child: Consult the National Poisons Information Service Adult: 300 mg, to be given over 1 minute (or 5 minutes if condition less serious), dose to be followed immediately by 50 mL of glucose intravenous infusion 50%; if response inadequate a second dose of both may be given, but risk of cobalt toxicity

 l CAUTIONS

Owing to toxicity to be used only for definite cyanide poisoning when patient tending to lose, or has lost, consciousness

l SIDE-EFFECTS

Reflex tachycardia . vomiting

l EXCEPTIONS TO LEGAL CATEGORY

Prescription only medicine restriction does not apply where administration is for saving life in emergency