Sulfanegen sodium

Sulfanegen sodium

Sulfanegen sodium is a drug used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. It works by converting cyanide into thiocyanate, a less toxic compound that is excreted in urine. Sulfanegen sodium is a prodrug of 3-mercaptopyruvate, which is the actual compound that detoxifies cyanide.

History

Sulfanegen sodium was developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a potential treatment for cyanide poisoning. The development of sulfanegen sodium was part of a larger effort to find new antidotes for chemical threats.

Mechanism of action

Sulfanegen sodium is a prodrug of 3-mercaptopyruvate. Once inside the body, it is converted into 3-mercaptopyruvate by the enzyme 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. 3-Mercaptopyruvate then reacts with cyanide to form thiocyanate, which is less toxic and can be excreted in the urine.

Clinical use

Sulfanegen sodium is used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. It can be administered intravenously or orally. The drug is particularly useful in situations where cyanide exposure is ongoing, as it can be given repeatedly without causing harm.

Side effects

Like all drugs, sulfanegen sodium can cause side effects. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions.

See also

• Cyanide poisoning
• Antidote
• 3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase