Nitroprusside is a vasodilator that is used to treat congestive heart failure and life-threatening high blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). Nitroprusside is also used to control blood pressure during a surgery. Nitroprusside may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How long can nitroprusside be administered?

The usual dose rate is 0.5-10 mcg/kg/min, but infusion at the maximum dose rate should never last more than 10 minutes. If blood pressure has not been adequately controlled after 10 minutes of infusion at the maximum rate, administration of sodium nitroprusside should be terminated immediately.

Does Nipride increase blood pressure?

With increasing rates of infusion, sodium nitroprusside has been able to lower blood pressure without an observed limit of effect. Clinical trials have also shown that the hypotensive effect of sodium nitroprusside is associated with reduced blood loss in a variety of major surgical procedures.