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Amyl nitrite is a vasodialator. It is a gas at room temperature which is inhaled. It relaxes the coronary artery, allowing more blood to flow to the heart muscle. Also, the increased diameter of blood vessels lowers blood pressure while allowing the heart to fill more completely per beat. This is more efficient, thus more blood is pumped with less effort. Too much amyl nitrite is toxic.
Prussic acid is hydrogen cyanide (a gas) or hydrocyanic acid. "Cyanide interferes with the enzymes controlling the oxidative process, preventing the body's red blood cells from absorbing oxygen. Cynide action has been called 'internal asphyxia.'" In sufficient doses, death can occur in from 1-15 minutes. In gaseous forms, death can occur instantaneously. Amyl nitrite is first given as a partial antidote, as well as 100% oxygen, and stomach pumping if the poison has been ingested. Information on prussic acid from Deadly Doses: A writer's guide to poisons by Serita Deborah Stevens with Anne Klarner, Writer's Digest Books, Cincinnati, OH, 1990. |