amyl nitrite

amyl nitrite
a yellowish, fragrant, flammable liquid, C5H11NO2, used in medicine chiefly as a vasodilator, esp. in the treatment of angina pectoris: misused by inhalation as a stimulant, esp. of sexual sensation. Also called isoamyl nitrite.

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drug
      drug once commonly used in the treatment of angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain precipitated by oxygen deficiency in the heart muscle. Amyl nitrite is one of the oldest vasodilators (i.e., agents that expand blood vessels). The drug is useful in treating cyanide poisoning. Amyl nitrite, a clear, pale yellow liquid with a penetrating odour, is administered by inhalation and is very rapidly absorbed from the lungs. Its action is nonspecific; i.e., it affects all smooth muscles, causing them to relax. Side effects include headache, increased heart rate ( tachycardia), and low blood pressure ( hypotension).

      Amyl nitrite is often used illicitly to produce euphoria and to enhance sexual pleasure. On the black market the drug is known by a variety of other names, including “amy” and “poppers.” Abuse of the drug can cause severe toxicity.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • amyl nitrite — n a pale yellow pungent flammable liquid ester C5H11NO2 of commercial amyl alcohol and nitrous acid that is used chiefly in medicine as a vasodilator esp. in treating angina pectoris and illicitly as an aphrodisiac called also isoamyl nitrite… …   Medical dictionary

  • Amyl nitrite — A yellowish oily volatile liquid, {C5H11NO2}, used in medicine as a heart stimulant and a vasodilator. The inhalation of its vapor instantly produces flushing of the face. [Webster 1913 Suppl.] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Amyl nitrite — Nitrite Ni trite, n. [Cf. F. nitrite. See {Niter}.] (Chem.) A salt or ester of nitrous acid; a compound bearing the { NO2} radical. [1913 Webster +PJC] {Amyl nitrite}, a yellow oily volatile liquid, used in medicine as a depressant and a vaso… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • amyl nitrite — n. a volatile liquid, C5H11NO2, that is inhaled to dilate blood vessels, esp. in angina pectoris …   English World dictionary

  • Amyl nitrite — Not to be confused with amyl nitrate. Amyl nitrite …   Wikipedia

  • amyl nitrite — noun a) The ester of amyl alcohol and nitrous acid. b) isoamyl nitrite …   Wiktionary

  • amyl nitrite — noun : a pale yellow pungent flammable liquid ester C5H11ONO of commercial amyl alcohol and nitrous acid that is used chiefly in medicine as a vasodilator especially in angina pectoris called also isoamyl nitrite …   Useful english dictionary

  • amyl nitrite — noun Date: circa 1881 a pale yellow pungent flammable liquid ester C5H11NO2 of commercial amyl alcohol and nitrous acid that is used in medicine as a vasodilator and inhaled illicitly especially as an aphrodisiac compare popper 2 …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • amyl nitrite — /æməl ˈnaɪtraɪt/ (say amuhl nuytruyt) noun a yellowish volatile liquid ester, C5H11NO2, with a fragrant odour, used in medicine as a vasodilator especially in the treatment of angina pectoris, and to heighten pleasure during sexual orgasm. Also,… …  

  • amyl nitrite — n. (Chemistry) yellowish and oily liquid used in medicine to enlarge blood vessels, substance inhaled for its rousing stimulatory effects …   English contemporary dictionary

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