What is nitric oxide?
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that expands blood vessels. It’s used in a number of important bodily processes, including nerve transmission, blood flow regulation, and immune function. Because of its effects on blood vessels, nitric oxide is used as a therapeutic drug.
The most common use for this drug is in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). It’s often used to treat newborns who have respiratory failure due to high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Outside of this use, nitric oxide may be used “off-label” to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults and children.
Here’s what you need to know about the nitric oxide drug classification, uses, administration, warnings, side effects, and interactions based on the latest medical information.