Nitric Oxide (By breathing)

NYE-trik OX-ide

Treats breathing problems in newborn babies.

Drug classes

Stimulant, Respiratory (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Nitric oxide is used together with a breathing machine (ventilator) and other agents to treat newborn (term and near-term) babies with respiratory failure that is caused by pulmonary hypertension.

Nitric oxide is a gas that is inhaled through the nose or mouth. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles to widen the blood vessels in the lungs.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Gas

A nurse or other health professional will give your baby this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is inhaled into the lungs through the mouth or nose.

This medicine is sometimes given through a face mask. It also may be given inside a plastic tent that is placed over the baby. The medicine is put into the air of the tent for breathing.

This medicine may need to be given for up to 14 days.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some foods and medicines can affect how nitric oxide works. Tell your child’s doctor if your child is using any of the following:

Nitroglycerin Prilocaine Sodium nitroprusside

When Not To Use

Your child’s doctor will determine if this medicine should not be used for any reason.

Warnings

Tell your child’s doctor if your baby has heart problems, heart failure, or lung or breathing problems.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blue lips, pale skin

Chest pain, trouble breathing, or fast, noisy breathing,

Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Inomax

There may be other brand names for this medicine.