Paper I
2024 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Sodium nitrite in the treatment of Cyanide poisoning

Q91 marksShort Answers

Answer

Cyanide binds and inhibits mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase, blocking the electron transport chain and causing cellular (histotoxic) hypoxia despite normal oxygen delivery. Sodium nitrite induces the formation of methemoglobin, whose ferric (Fe³⁺) iron has a much higher affinity for cyanide than does cytochrome oxidase — cyanide is drawn away from cytochrome oxidase to bind methemoglobin instead (forming cyanmethemoglobin), restoring mitochondrial function. Sodium thiosulfate is typically given afterward to convert the released cyanide to thiocyanate (via rhodanese), which is renally excreted.

Other Years Asked


Revise MBBS
Preview