Sodium Nitrite
Sodium nitrite is a nitrite salt used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning (in combination with sodium thiosulfate), forming methemoglobin that preferentially binds cyanide ions and removes them from cytochrome oxidase. At low concentrations, nitrite acts as a nitric oxide donor with vasodilatory effects, and it is investigated in cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome for its vasodilatory and cytoprotective properties. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it is used as an antimicrobial preservative and as a diagnostic reagent.
Molecular Weight
68.9950 g/mol
TPSA
52.50 Ų
Therapeutic Areas
Mechanism of Action
Functions as a diagnostic agent by providing contrast enhancement or radioactive tracer activity that enables visualization of anatomical structures or physiological processes during medical imaging.
Pharmacokinetics (PK)
Pharmacodynamics (PD)
Functions as a diagnostic agent by providing contrast enhancement or radioactive tracer activity that enables visualization of anatomical structures or physiological processes during medical imaging.
2D Structure
Cite this structure
Embed this structure
SMILES
O=N[O-].[Na+]
InChI
InChI=1S/HNO2.Na/c2-1-3;/h(H,2,3);/q;+1/p-1
Molecular Formula
NNaO2
HBD / HBA
- / 3
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
4
No targets recorded
Target interaction data is not yet available for this drug.
No interactions recorded
Drug interaction data is not yet available for this compound.
No side effects recorded
Side effect data is not yet available for this drug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodium nitrite is a nitrite salt used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning (in combination with sodium thiosulfate), forming methemoglobin that preferentially binds cyanide ions and removes them from cytochrome oxidase. At low concentrations, nitrite acts as a nitric oxide donor with vasodilatory effects, and it is investigated in cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome for its vasodilatory and cytoprotective properties. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it is used as an antimicrobial preservative and as a diagnostic reagent.
Functions as a diagnostic agent by providing contrast enhancement or radioactive tracer activity that enables visualization of anatomical structures or physiological processes during medical imaging.
Yes, Sodium Nitrite is an approved drug. It has reached clinical phase 4. It is classified as a Small molecule.
References & Data Sources
- ChEMBL — European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). CHEMBL93268. Open-access bioactivity database.
- PubChem — National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). CID 23668193. Chemical information database.
Data aggregated from publicly available pharmacological databases. Last updated 2026-03-28.
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