Structure
Sodium nitroprusside Chemical Structure – C5FeN6O
Mode of action
Nitric oxide (NO), which activates guanylate cyclase in the vascular smooth muscle, is produced when sodium nitroprusside is broken down in the bloodstream.
Guanylate cyclase leads to an increase in intracellular cGMP synthesis.
cGMP stimulates the transfer of calcium ions from the cytoplasm to the endoplasmic reticulum.
And The amount of calcium ions that are available for binding to calmodulin is decreased.
As the outcomes of this Vascular smooth muscle relax and Vasodilatation occur.
Uses
It is used to treat Hypertension.
It is also used to treat acute heart failure.
It is also used to reduce bleeding during surgery.