Sodium Thiosulfate

AmiClean is indicated for sequential use with sodium nitrite for treatment of acute cyanide poisoning that is judged to be life threatening. Use with caution if the diagnosis of cyanide poisoning is uncertain.

Sodium thiosulfate acts as an antidote in the treatment of cyanide poisoning. It acts as a sulphur-donating substrate for the enzyme rhodanese, thus speeding up the conversion of cyanide to thiocyanide, which is relatively non toxic. It is often used in combination with sodium nitrite but may be used alone in less severe poisoning.

Adult: To be given after 300 mg of sodium nitrite has been admin over 5-20 min: 12.5 g of sodium thiosulfate (50 ml of a 25% solution or 25 ml of a 50% solution) given over 10 min. Methaemoglobin concentration should not exceed 30-40%. If symptoms of cyanide toxicity recur, the doses of nitrite and thiosulfate may be repeated after 30 min at half the initial doses. Child: To be given after 4-10 mg/kg of sodium nitrite (max: 300 mg) has been admin: 400 mg/kg of sodium thiosulfate, as a 25 or 50% solution (max: 12.5 g). Methaemoglobin concentration should not exceed 30-40%. If symptoms of cyanide toxicity recur, the doses of nitrite and thiosulfate may be repeated after 30 min at half the initial doses.

Osmotic disturbances. Oral: catharsis (at high doses).