Inomax

Inomax is an inhaled gas used to treat respiratory failure caused by pulmonary hypertension in newborn babies. It is given with a breathing machine (ventilator) to improve delivery of oxygen to the baby’s lungs.

Administration of Nitric oxide a ventilator, so your baby must be confined in a medical facility.

Before using Inomax, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

The doctor may consider the following before prescribing Nitric oxide:

Tell the doctor all your allergies to food, medications and other substances.

Nitric oxide must be used with caution if your baby has problems in the heart or lungs. Nitric oxide may not be appropriate for babies with right-to-left shunt heart problems (like Tetralogy of Fallot).

Tell the doctor all the medications your baby takes before starting nitric oxide treatment. Nitric oxide may not be appropriate to use with the drug Ricoguat, which is also used for treating pulmonary hypertension. Nitric oxide must be used with extreme caution when used together with Prilocaine.

To use Inomax properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Nitric oxide must be only used according to doctor’s instructions.

In newborns, nitric oxide is given through the ventilator continuously for up to 14 days or until oxygen levels become normal, or the patient becomes ready for weaning therapy.

Discontinuance of nitric oxide requires a period of weaning. If symptoms recur, nitric oxide therapy is reinstated.

Before using Inomax, there are some precautions you must take.

Your baby requires close monitoring when having Nitric oxide therapy. The doctor will monitor the baby’s breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels and other vital signs.

Nitric oxide therapy must not be stopped suddenly. It can cause serious symptoms such as slowing heartbeat and bluish color of lips and skin.

Rarely, nitric oxide may cause a serious condition called methemoglobinemia. This is caused by the accumulation of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin but with no ability to transport oxygen to organs. During therapy, the doctor will carefully monitor levels of methemoglobin in the bloodstream to avoid complications.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Inomax.

Nitric oxide may cause the following side effects. If you see any of these symptoms in your baby, call the doctor immediately:

• Difficult or labored breathing
• Noticeable weakness