Summary of Clinical Use

Used in intensive care for the treatment of hypoxic respiratory failure in neonates and in patients on artificial ventilation. Delivered by inhalation which selectively dilates the pulmonary vasculature and limits effect on the systemic vasculature (this is limited also by efficient/rapid scavenging of NO by hemoglobin).

Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects

Binds to the haem moiety of cytosolic guanylyl cyclase, leading to the activation of the enzyme and increasing intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cGMP). This leads to vascular smooth muscle relaxation and pulmonary vasodilation.

External links

For extended ADME data see the following: Drugs.com European Medicines Agency (EMA)