💉 Sodium Thiosulphate Injection 250 mg/mL
📌 Description:
Sodium thiosulphate injection is a sterile intravenous solution primarily used as part of cyanide poisoning treatment. It serves as a sulfur donor, enhancing the conversion of cyanide to the less toxic thiocyanate, which is then excreted in the urine.
- Concentration: 250 mg/mL
- Appearance: Clear, colorless solution
- Route: Intravenous (IV)
📜 Prescription:
- Prescription-only medicine
- Often administered after Sodium Nitrite in cases of suspected or confirmed cyanide poisoning
- Dosage:
- Adults: 12.5 grams IV (i.e., 50 mL of 250 mg/mL solution) over ~10 minutes
- Pediatrics: ~400 mg/kg, adjusted as needed
🌿 Nature:
- Inorganic compound
- Acts as a cyanide detoxifier and antioxidant
- Converts cyanide into thiocyanate, which is less toxic and eliminated renally
✅ Advantages:
- Effective detoxifier in cyanide poisoning
- Enhances elimination of cyanide
- Has synergistic action with sodium nitrite or hydroxocobalamin
- Relatively safe and well tolerated
⚠️ Precautions:
- Use cautiously in patients with:
- Renal impairment (due to thiocyanate accumulation)
- Sodium-restricted conditions (heart failure, hypertension)
- Monitor for:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Hypotension, especially if given rapidly
- Headache, disorientation
- Ensure proper IV dilution and controlled administration rate
- Use in pregnancy/lactation only if clearly needed
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
- Protect from light and freezing
- Discard if solution is discolored or contains particulates
📦 Common Packaging:
- Supplied in glass ampoules or vials
- Volume: typically 50 mL vial (12.5 g total)
- Labeled with strength, lot number, and expiration date
- May be included in cyanide antidote kits
👨⚕️ Patient Advice
- This medicine is used in emergency cyanide poisoning cases.
- It is given through a vein, usually after sodium nitrite.
- Helps your body remove the poison safely via urine.
- May cause mild nausea or low blood pressure.
- You’ll be closely monitored for a few hours after receiving it.
- Let your doctor know if you have kidney or heart conditions.
- It is life-saving and used under strict medical supervision only.