Clinical application of sodium nitroprusside.

The potent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside has been used to treat hypertensive emergencies and to improve the hemodynamics of chronic heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. As the use of this seemingly beneficial agent appears to be increasing, personnel caring for patients should be familiar with nitroprusside in order to use it properly and safely. We have reviewed the pharmacology, mode of mixing and administering, monitoring requirements, and indications of nitroprusside so it may be used with maximal benefit and minimal risk.