Nitric Oxide: Understanding Potential Risks & Side Effects

Nitric oxide is a colorless gas, slightly heavier than air and sparingly soluble in water. Negative effects of nitric oxide are rare, but can occur.

High Blood Pressure

• Abnormally high levels of nitric oxide in the blood can cause both extremely high and low blood pressure; toxic levels could lead to death within minutes.

Septicemia

• In septicemia and/or blood poisoning, a large number of microorganisms invade the blood stream and, as a result, large amounts of nitric oxide are produced, leading to septic shock and severe low blood pressure.

Respiratory

• Respiratory side effects caused by nitric oxide include stridor (a whistling sound when breathing, indicating obstruction of the trachea or larynx) and atelectasis (collapse of an expanded lung, especially in tracts).

Renal

• The most common renal side effect caused by nitric oxide is hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine.

Metabolic

• Hyperglycemia (abnormally high blood sugar usually associated with diabetes) has been reported as a metabolic side effect of nitric oxide.

Other Side Effects

• Chronic nitric oxide exposure generally leads to excessive urination, difficulty in sleeping, depression, anxiety, restlessness, tremors, nausea, rapid heart rate and vomiting.