amyl nitrite
Amyl nitrite is a medication used for the relief of chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. It comes as thin glass capsules so when you crush them, the vapors can be inhaled. Typically, it works within one minute after breathing it in.
What is Amyl nitrite?
What is Amyl nitrite used for?
- Chest pain (angina pectoris)
Drug facts
Get your GoodRx coupon
Common questions about Amyl nitrite
Amyl nitrite is an inhaled medication used to treat chest pain known as angina pectoris (also called stable angina). This type of chest pain usually happens with physical activity or emotional stress, and is due to poor blood flow to the heart. Amyl nitrite comes as glass capsules that can be crushed between the fingers so the vapors can be inhaled through the nose.
Amyl nitrite is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and opens blood vessels. This causes more blood flow to the heart which relieves chest pain that's caused by blocked or narrowed blood vessels. After crushing the thin glass capsule, the vapors can be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. This allows it to work within minutes to relieve chest pain.
Each capsule contains 0.3 mL of amyl nitrite. The typical dose is to crush one capsule between your fingers, hold it under your nose, and inhale (breathe in) the vapors 2 to 6 times. The dose can be repeated in 3 to 5 minutes if needed. Make sure you're in a seated position before inhaling amyl nitrite because it can cause sudden dizziness.
Some side effects of amyl nitrite include mild headache, dizziness, and flushing (suddenly feeling warm). Other possible side effects include low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, restlessness, nausea, and vomiting. This isn't a complete list, so speak to your provider if you experience other side effects.
Since amyl nitrite can cause harm to unborn babies, pregnant women shouldn't use it. If you have glaucoma, recent head trauma, or bleeding in your brain, amyl nitrite shouldn't be used because it can raise pressure in your eyes and head. Discuss your full medical history with your provider so they can help you decide if amyl nitrite is a good treatment option for your chest pain.
How to save using GoodRx
Amyl nitrite dosage
Ampule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3ml | 1 ampule | $10.56 | $10.56 |
Typical dosage for Amyl nitrite
Interactions between Amyl nitrite and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Avanafil
- Riociguat
- Sildenafil
- Tadalafil
- Vardenafil
How much does Amyl nitrite cost?
$10.56
What are alternatives to Amyl nitrite?
