About sodium thiosulfate
Antidote and cyanide detoxifying agent
Used for
- Treatment of cyanide poisoning, usually with intravenous sodium nitrite
- Prevention of cisplatin-related hearing damage in selected children
- Treatment of calciphylaxis, an off-label use
Usual adult dose
Cyanide poisoning: 12.5 g intravenously, often after sodium nitrite; repeat half the dose if needed. Other uses require specialist protocols.
Usual dose in children
Cyanide poisoning: 250 mg/kg intravenously, up to 12.5 g; specialist protocols determine use for other conditions.
Common side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Headache or confusion
- Excess sodium or fluid, especially with repeated doses
Important warnings
- Cyanide poisoning is a medical emergency; treatment requires urgent medical supervision.
- Sodium nitrite given with it can cause dangerously low blood pressure or methemoglobinemia.
- Use caution with kidney impairment, heart failure, or sodium restrictions.
- Calciphylaxis treatment is off-label and evidence is limited.
Pregnancy
Use only when needed; in life-threatening cyanide poisoning, prompt treatment may outweigh potential fetal risks.
Breastfeeding
There is limited information; treatment decisions depend on urgency and clinical circumstances.
Interactions
- Sodium nitrite is commonly administered before sodium thiosulfate for cyanide poisoning.
- Other blood-pressure-lowering medicines may increase hypotension risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.