Description
Sodium thiosulfate Pharmacodynamics
Sodium thiosulfate is a complexing agent. It has detoxifying effect. It forms non-toxic or low-toxic compounds with cyanides. The main mechanism of detoxification during poisoning by hydrocyanic acid and its salts (cyanides) is the formation of less toxic rhodanide compounds (thiocyanate) with the participation of rhodonase enzyme, thiosulfate cyanide seratransferase (found in many tissues, but maximum activity is shown in the liver). The human body is capable of endogenous cyanide detoxification, but the rhodonase system works slowly, and in cyanide poisoning its activity is insufficient for detoxification, therefore, to accelerate the reaction catalyzed by rhodonase, it is necessary to introduce sodium thiosulfate, which is a sulfur donor.
Indications
As an antidote for cyanide poisoning.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to sodium thiosulfate or other components of the drug.
Dosage and administration method
- Intravenously slowly. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis.
- The single dose for adults is 50 ml of the solution, for children – 250 mg/kg of body weight.
- If symptoms of cyanide poisoning arise again, the drug should be repeated in a dose equal to 50% of the initial one.
- Blood pressure should be monitored during the drug administration. In case of pronounced arterial pressure decrease the rate of administration should be reduced.
