Sequential intraperitoneal administration of nitroprusside in patients maintained on peritoneal dialysis

Clinical studies were made in order to determine the effects of intraperitoneal nitroprusside on the peritoneal clearances according to different frequencies of drug administration. An important increase of urea and creatinine clearances with 3.75 mg of nitroprusside per liter of dialysis solution was observed. The maximum effects were observed after four consecutive exchanges with the drug; its effects were maintained all through the peritoneal dialysis session and in some cases increased when alternative series of four exchanges with and without drug were carried on. The significative higher increase of the big solutes clearances suggests a vasodilator action of nitroprusside which should be also reflected on an increase of the middle size molecules clearances. Clinical tolerance was excellent and the blood pressure variations were negligible.