Along with or in place of sodium nitrite is added to meats to inhibit the growth of Clostridium bacterium organisms.
A sodium salt used, with sodium thiosulfate, to treat cyanide poisoning. It is administered by injection and may cause digestive upsets, dizziness, headache, fainting, and cyanosis. It also has effects similar to glyceryl trinitrate and has been used to treat angina.