Nitroprusside

Background

Sodium nitroprusside is primarily used as a potent vasodilator. It works predominantly in arterioles and venules as a result of its breakdown to nitric oxide (NO). It is intravenously infused in cases of acute hypertensive crises and its effect is usually seen within minutes. Nitric oxide reduces both total peripheral resistance and venous return, thus decreasing both preload and afterload.