What is the primary role of Nitrite in poison management?

The primary role of nitrite in poison management is its function as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. When cyanide is ingested or inhaled, it binds to cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, inhibiting cellular respiration and leading to hypoxia. Nitrites work by converting hemoglobin into methemoglobin, which has a higher affinity for cyanide than cytochrome c oxidase. This forms a complex that effectively sequesters cyanide away from its target, allowing aerobic metabolism to resume in cells.

This use of nitrites is critical because immediate medical intervention is necessary in cases of cyanide exposure to prevent significant tissue damage or death.

The other options, while they pertain to different antidote scenarios, do not relate to the primary function of nitrite in poison management related to cyanide. For instance, while nitrites play a role in methemoglobinemia, it is not their primary purpose in poison management, and they do not serve as antidotes for opioids or treat beta-blocker overdoses.