Recombinant activated protein C (drotrecogin) was shown to reduce mortality in severe septic shock, but not mild septic shock. The major side effect of recombinant activated protein C is bleeding. Anti-TNF antibody, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and antiendotoxin antibody have failed to change outcomes in randomized, prospective trials. Sodium nitroprusside is a vasodilator and would worsen septic shock.