- Nitric oxide is a gas that is inhaled. It works by relaxing smooth muscle to widen (dilate) blood vessels, especially in the lungs.
- Nitric oxide is used together with a breathing machine (ventilator) to treat respiratory failure in premature babies.
What is the most important information I should know about nitric oxide?
- Your baby will receive this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar hospital setting.
- Nitric oxide is inhaled into the baby's lungs through the mouth or nose. Your baby may also be using a breathing tube connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs to help your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen).
- Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with nitric oxide.
- Nitric oxide is inhaled into the baby's lungs through the mouth or nose. Your baby will receive this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar hospital setting.
- Your baby may also be using a breathing tube connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs to help your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen).
- Nitric oxide is usually given for up to 14 days. You baby may need to be weaned off this medication slowly, using less and less before treatment is stopped completely.
- Your baby's breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely during treatment with nitric oxide.
What happens if an overdose is given?
Since nitric oxide is given in a controlled medical setting by a healthcare professional, an overdose is not likely to occur. However, an overdose of nitric oxide is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
Nitric oxide side effects:Nitric oxide causes few side effects, but your baby may have noisy breathing, blood in the urine, or possibly a collapsed lung. There is also a possibility that the baby will have breathing difficulties after the nitric oxide treatment is stopped. These problems may require further treatment by health care professionals. Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with nitric oxide.
