amyl nitrite

Q: What is amyl nitrite?

Amyl nitrite is an inhaled medication used to treat chest pain known as angina pectoris (also called [stable angina](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000198.htm)). 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.

Q: How does amyl nitrite work?

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.

Q: What are some side effects of amyl nitrite?

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.

Q: Who shouldn't use amyl nitrite?

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.

Generic Amyl Nitrite

Used for Angina

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.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 14, 2022

What is Amyl nitrite?

What is Amyl nitrite used for?

Chest pain (angina pectoris)

Drug facts

Common Brands	No brands available
Drug Class	Vasodilator
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	Lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

No brands available

Drug Class

Vasodilator

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

Lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

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Avg retail price

$10.560

$10.56

See prices

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.

Amyl nitrite dosage

The average cost for 1 ampule of 0.3ml of Amyl nitrite is $10.56 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 0.00% off the average retail price of $10.56.

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

Amyl nitrite may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Amyl nitrite. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

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.