ISOPENTYL NITRITE

also called isoamyl nitrite one of the oldest and most important vasodilators (i.e., agents that expand blood vessels). It is used in medicine to provide relief from attacks of angina pectoris (chest pain precipitated by oxygen deficiency in the heart muscles) and to treat ischemia (insufficient arterial blood flow) of smooth muscle. Isopentyl nitrite 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. Isopentyl nitrite is a clear, pale yellow liquid with a characteristic penetrating odour.