Generic name: nitric oxide (inhalation gas) [ nye-trik-ox-ide ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous respiratory agents
Dosage form: gas, for inhalation
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Nitric oxide (inhalation gas)
What is Inomax (inhalation gas)?
INOmax is a gas that is inhaled. It works by relaxing smooth muscle to widen (dilate) blood vessels, especially in the lungs.
INOmax is used together with a breathing machine (ventilator) to treat respiratory failure in premature babies.
Your baby will receive this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar hospital setting.
INOmax may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
To best participate in the care of your baby during treatment with INOmax, carefully follow all instructions provided by your baby's caregivers.
How should I use Inomax (inhalation gas)
INOmax is inhaled into the baby's lungs through the mouth or nose.
Your baby may also be using a breathing tube connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs to help your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen).
INOmax is usually given for up to 14 days. You baby may need to be weaned off this medication slowly, using less and less before treatment is stopped completely.
Your baby's breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely during treatment with INOmax. This will help your doctor determine how long to continue treatment with this medicine. Your child may also need blood tests.
Before Taking
To best participate in the care of your baby while he or she is in the NICU, carefully follow all instructions provided by your baby's caregivers.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since INOmax is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that your baby will miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Since INOmax is given in a controlled medical setting by a healthcare professional, an overdose is not likely to occur. However, an overdose of nitric oxide is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while using Inomax (inhalation gas)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions in feeding, medications, or activity after your baby has been treated with INOmax.
Inomax (inhalation gas) side effects
INOmax causes few side effects, but your baby may have noisy breathing, blood in the urine, or possibly a collapsed lung. There is also a possibility that the baby will have breathing difficulties after the this medicine treatment is stopped.
Some of these problems may require further treatment by health care professionals. Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with INOmax.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Inomax (inhalation gas) Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Inomax (inhalation gas)?
Your baby's caregivers will manage and monitor all medications given to your baby during treatment in the NICU. A drug interaction between INOmax and other medications is not expected to occur.
Do not give any medications to your baby that have not been prescribed by the baby's doctor. This includes vitamins, minerals, or herbal products.