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Vaporole: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Vaporole - General Information

Vaporole is an antihypertensive medicine. Amyl nitrite is employed medically to treat heart diseases such as angina and to treat cyanide poisoning. Like other alkyl nitrites, amyl nitrite is bioactive in mammals, being a vasodilator which is the basis of its use as a prescription medicine. As an inhalant, it also has psychoactive effect which has led to illegal drug use.

 

Pharmacology of Vaporole

Amyl nitrite, in common with other alkyl nitrites, is a potent vasodilator. It expands blood vessels, resulting in lowering of the blood pressure. Alkyl nitrite functions as a source of nitric oxide, which signals for relaxation of the involuntary muscles. Physical effects include decrease in blood pressure, headache, flushing of the face, increased heart rate, dizziness, and relaxation of involuntary muscles, especially the blood vessel walls and the anal sphincter. There are no withdrawal symptoms.

 

Vaporole for patients

Amyl nitrite should be taken by the patient when seated or lying down.

 

Vaporole Interactions

Taking amyl nitrite after drinking alcohol may worsen side effects and may cause severe hypotension and cardiovascular collapse.

 

Vaporole Contraindications

Since it may increase intraocular and intracranial pressures, amyl nitrite is contraindicated or should be used with great caution in patients with glaucoma, recent head trauma or cerebral hemorrhage.

Amyl nitrite can cause harm to the fetus when it is administered to a pregnant woman because it significantly reduces systemic blood pressure and blood wflow on the maternal side of the placenta.

 

Additional information about Vaporole

Vaporole Indication

For the rapid relief of angina pectoris.

Mechanism Of Action
Amyl nitrite's antianginal action is thought to be the result of a reduction in systemic and pulmonary arterial pressure (afterload) and decreased cardiac output because of peripheral vasodilation, rather than coronary artery dilation. As an antidote (to cyanide poisoning), amyl nitrite promotes formation of methemoglobin, which combines with cyanide to form nontoxic cyanmethemoglobin.
Generic Name
Amyl Nitrite
Synonyms
3-Methylbutanol nitrite; 3-Methylbutyl nitrite; Amilnitrit; Amilnitrite; Amyl nitrit; Amyl nitrite I; Amyl nitrosum; IPN; Isoamyl nitrite; Isopentyl nitrite; Nitramyl; Nitrous acid, 3-methylbutyl ester; Nitrous acid, isopentyl ester; Pentanoli nitris; Pentyl nitrite
Drug Category
Vasodilator Agents
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Amyl Nitrite
Aspiral; Vaporole;
Absorption
Amyl nitrite vapors are absorbed rapidly through the pulmonary alveoli, manifesting therapeutic effects within one minute after inhalation.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Overdose symptoms include nausea, emesis (vomiting), hypotension, hypoventilation, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and syncope (fainting)
Biotransformation
Hepatic. The drug is metabolized rapidly, probably by hydrolytic denitration; approximately one-third of the inhaled amyl nitrite is excreted in the urine.
Dosage Forms of Vaporole
Liquid Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
3-methylbutyl nitrite
Chemical Formula
C5H11NO2
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals