Mechanism of action of sodium nitrite in cyanide poisoning

Cyanide poisoning:- Nitrates generate methaemoglobin which has high affinity for cyanide radical and forms cyanomethaemoglobin. However, this may again dissociate to release cyanide. Therefore, sodium thiosulfate is given to form Sod. thiocyanate which is poorly dissociable and is excreted in urine. Cytochrome and other oxidative enzymes are thus protected from cyanide. Ref:- kd tripathi; pg num:-545