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Sodium Thiosulfate Injection
  • Professionals
  • FDA PI

Sodium Thiosulfate Injection

Dosage form: injection, solution
Drug class:Antidotes

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

Indications and Usage for Sodium Thiosulfate Injection

Sodium Thiosulfate Injection is indicated for sequential use with sodium nitrite for the treatment of acute cyanide poisoning that is judged to be serious or life-threatening. When the diagnosis of cyanide poisoning is uncertain, the potential risks associated with Sodium Thiosulfate Injection should be carefully weighed against the potential benefits, especially if the patient is not in extremis.

2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Important Dosage and Administration Instructions

  • If clinical suspicion of cyanide poisoning is high, administer Sodium Thiosulfate Injection without delay.
  • Comprehensive treatment of acute cyanide intoxication requires support of vital functions. Administration of sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate should be considered adjunctive to appropriate supportive therapies. Airway, ventilatory and circulatory support, and oxygen administration should not be delayed in order to administer sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
  • The expert advice of a regional poison control center may be obtained by calling 1-800-222-1222.

Identifying Patients with Cyanide Poisoning

Cyanide poisoning may result from inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure to various cyanide-containing compounds, including smoke from closed-space fires. Sources of cyanide poisoning include hydrogen cyanide and its salts, cyanogenic plants, aliphatic nitriles, and prolonged exposure to sodium nitroprusside.

The presence and extent of cyanide poisoning are often initially unknown. There is no widely available, rapid, confirmatory cyanide blood test. Treatment decisions must be made on the basis of clinical history and signs and symptoms of cyanide intoxication.

Table 1. Common Signs and Symptoms of Cyanide Po...