RECOGNIZE Treatment Options

Treatment must be initiated rapidly in order to counter cyanide's rapid action.31

Responding Quickly: Acute Cyanide Poisoning

  • In a known or suspected case, remove the victim from the source of exposure/decontaminate to prevent further poisoning; victims of inhalation poisoning do not require decontamination
    • NOTE: Protective gear should be worn; avoid dermal contact, or contact with gastric contents; do not attempt to resuscitate without a barrier
  • Provide supportive care to maintain/restore pulmonary and cardiac function
  • Administer oxygen therapy as soon as possible (in cases of mild toxicity this alone may be sufficient)
  • Administer an antidote to neutralize cyanide
    • Administering an effective cyanide antidote is a critical feature of patient care,30 and choosing an antidote may depend on the source of cyanide exposure (eg, ingestion or inhalation) and the treatment setting (eg, prehospital or inpatient treatment)

CYANOKIT® - An Antidote for Cyanide Poisoning

Hydroxocobalamin (hydroxylated vitamin B12) is effective in known or suspected cyanide poisoning because of its ability to bind cyanide ions. Each hydroxocobalamin molecule can bind one cyanide ion by substituting the hydroxo ligand linked to the trivalent cobalt ion, to form cyanocobalamin (another form of vitamin B12). This stable, nontoxic compound is excreted in the urine.29

Considerations for use29

  • Appropriate for prehospital and hospital use
  • Suitable for use in smoke inhalation victims with known or suspected cyanide poisoning
  • May induce transient increase in blood pressure
  • Easily administered in 4 simple steps – reconstitute, mix, infuse, and repeat
  • Consists of just one component administered by intravenous (IV) infusion
CLICK HERE to see the full Prescribing Information for CYANOKIT®.


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This Web site is intended for United States of America (U.S.A.) residents only and is subject to all applicable U.S.A. laws. CYANOKIT® is a registered trademark of Merck Santé s.a.s., licensed by Meridian Medical Technologies®, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of King Pharmaceuticals®, Inc. Copyright © 2010 Meridian Medical Technologies®, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of King Pharmaceuticals®, Inc. All rights reserved. MMT6577A 03/2010

The expert advice of a regional poison control center may be obtained by calling 1-800-222-1222.