Nitric oxide (Inhalation)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 1, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Genosyl
Inomax
Noxivent

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Stimulant, Respiratory

Uses for nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is used together with a breathing machine (ventilator) and other agents to treat newborn (term and near-term) babies with respiratory failure that is caused by pulmonary hypertension.

Nitric oxide is a gas that is inhaled through the nose or mouth. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles to widen the blood vessels in the lungs.

Nitric oxide is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using nitric oxide

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For nitric oxide, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to nitric oxide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of inhaled nitric oxide in newborn babies with respiratory failure.

Geriatric

Use of inhaled nitric oxide is not indicated in geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

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 receiving nitric oxide, 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 nitric oxide 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.

Riociguat

Using nitric oxide with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Prilocaine

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Nitric oxide Inhalation