Exit has a number of reports of successful use of nitrite. The following is a typical timeline and was reported from an observed death using 25gm of potentiated sodium nitrite.
* @ 3 mins dizzy * @ 5 mins very drowsy, responsive * @ 12 mins unconscious * @ 15 min deep sleep/ un-rousable * @ 25 mins increasing cyanosis, * @ 30 mins irregular shallow breathing * @40 mins death
Sealed 200 gm container of sodium nitrite
Potentiating Sodium Nitrite
There are several ways of increasing the effectiveness of the sodium nitrite drink. Of these, use of a B blocker is considered most effective.
A reliable death is dependant on the nitrite overwhelming the restorative enzyme methemoglobin reductase. To achieve this, rapid gut absorption of the salt on ingestion is needed. This can be facilitated by fasting for several hours before taking nitrite, and by reducing the amount of gastric acid in the stomach.
The simplest way this can be achieved is by the use of a simple antacid such as Mylanta, but there is also some concern that the coating of the gastric surface may impede absorption.
A better method is to use a pre-dose of the H2 antagonist cimetidine to increase absorption of the nitrite (eg. Tagamet, 800mg, taken 40 minutes before the nitrite). This can be taken at the same time as the suggested anti-emetic ( metoclopramide with ondansetron).
