Structure of Sodium nitroprusside
Sodium nitroprusside is a coordination complex containing a central iron atom bonded to five cyanide ligands and two nitrosyl groups.
Chemical Formula: Na₂[Fe(CN)₅NO]
Mode of Action
Nitric Oxide Release: Sodium nitroprusside releases nitric oxide (NO) upon metabolism.
Vasodilation: NO activates guanylate cyclase, increasing cyclic GMP levels and causing smooth muscle relaxation.
Rapid Action: Provides immediate vasodilation, reducing both preload and afterload.
Uses
Hypertensive Emergencies: Rapidly lowers blood pressure in acute hypertensive crises.
Controlled Hypotension: Induced during surgical procedures to reduce bleeding.
Heart Failure: Manages acute decompensated heart failure by reducing vascular resistance.
Aortic Dissection: Lowers blood pressure and reduces shear stress on the aortic wall.