Nitric oxide is a gas that is inhaled. It works by relaxing smooth muscle to widen (dilate) blood
vessels, especially in the lungs.
Nitric oxide is used together with a breathing machine (ventilator) to treat respiratory failure in
premature babies.
Nitric oxide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nitric oxide (inhalation gas)?
To best participate in the care of your baby while he or she is in the NICU, carefully follow
all instructions provided by your baby's caregivers.
How should I take nitric oxide (inhalation gas)?
Nitric oxide is inhaled into the baby's lungs through the mouth or nose. Your baby will receive
this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar hospital setting.
Your baby may also be using a breathing tube connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves
air in and out of the lungs to help your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen).
Nitric oxide is usually given for up to 14 days. You baby may need to be weaned off this
medication slowly, using less and less before treatment is stopped completely.
Your baby's breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched
closely during treatment with nitric oxide.
What happens if I miss a dose of nitric oxide (inhalation gas)?
Since nitric oxide is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that your baby
will miss a dose.
Where can I get more information about nitric oxide (inhalation gas)?
Your pharmacist has information about nitric oxide (inhalation gas) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of nitric oxide (inhalation gas)?
Nitric oxide causes few side effects, but your baby may have noisy breathing, blood in the
urine, or possibly a collapsed lung. There is also a possibility that the baby will have breathing
difficulties after the nitric oxide treatment is stopped.
These problems may require further treatment by health care professionals. Your baby will
remain under constant supervision during treatment with nitric oxide.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about nitric oxide (inhalation gas)?
Your baby will receive this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar
hospital setting.
Nitric oxide is inhaled into the baby's lungs through the mouth or nose. Your baby may also be
using a breathing tube connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs to help
your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen).
Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with nitric oxide.
What should I avoid while taking nitric oxide (inhalation gas)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions in feeding, medications, or activity after
your baby has been treated with nitric oxide.
What other drugs will affect nitric oxide (inhalation gas)?
Your baby's caregivers will manage and monitor all medications given to your baby during
treatment in the NICU. A drug interaction between nitric oxide and other medications is not expected
to occur.
Do not give any medications to your baby that have not been prescribed by the baby's
doctor. This includes vitamins, minerals, or herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of nitric oxide (inhalation gas)?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009