A drug that relaxes smooth muscle, especially that of blood vessels. Given by inhalation, amyl nitrite is used mainly in the treatment of angina pectoris. It is rapidly absorbed and acts quickly, producing a fall in arterial blood pressure. Side-effects include flushing, faintness. and headache. High doses may cause restlessness, vomiting, and blue coloration of the skin.
Used for many years to treat angina, it has been superseded by other nitrate drugs such as glyceril trinitrate. The substance is misused by drug abusers to produce a ‘high’ with the common name ‘poppers’.
A volatile and highly flammable clear liquid used as a vasodilator, especially in the past for anginal pain.
Amyl nitrite, a medication classified as a nitrate drug, was previously prescribed to alleviate angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain resulting from inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle. Due to its tendency to frequently induce undesirable reactions, other medications like glyceryl trinitrate and isosorbide have now replaced it. It’s worth noting that amyl nitrite is occasionally misused for its ability to heighten pleasure during orgasm.