Drug Name: Nitroglycerin
Brand Names: Deponit, Minitran, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrogard, Nitroglyceri Slocaps, Nitrolingual Pumpspray, Nitroquick, Nitrostat, Nitrotab, Nitro-Time, Transderm-Nitro, Nitrol
Generic Name: Nitroglycerin
Uses: Nitroglycerin is used to prevent angina or chest pain and treat the acute attacks. Angina is caused by the insufficient flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. Nitroglycerin, like all nitrates, dilates the arteries and veins in the body to correct the imbalance between the blood and oxygen needed in the body and the amount of work the heart produces. This dilation lowers the pressure in the arteries and reduces the amount of blood that returns to the heart. The result of this would be less work for the heart and less requirement for blood and oxygen.
How to use: Nitroglycerin is available in extended-releasing capsules, ointments, patches, buccal tablets, translingual spray and sublingual tablets. For treating acute attacks, one tablet placed in the buccal pouch or one spray of lingual spray may be taken. The buccal pouch is the area between the cheek and the gums. This could be repeated every 5 minutes until needed but if there is no relief after 3 doses, the patient should be taken to the hospital. In using the lingual spray, be sure not to shake the container before use and to spray it on or under the tongue. In the case of preventing angina, ointment and patches are used. Ointments are squeezed on a paper and then applied to a part of the skin. The ointment should not have contact with the hands. Patches on the other hand are placed on an area of the skin after applying firm pressure onto it. And capsules are taken 2 to 3 times a day, 1 to 2 hours after a meal.
Side Effects: The common side effects of nitroglycerin are headache, rash, dizziness, upset stomach and flushing. If any of these symptoms become bothersome and do not go away, consult your doctor. Some individuals may also experience the more serious side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth chest pain and fainting. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions: Before undergoing treatment, you should inform your doctor if you have anemia or low red blood counts. Also if you have glaucoma and recent head trauma. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant at the time of treatment, inform first your doctor about this before taking nitroglycerin. The medication may have adverse effects on you and your baby.
Drug Interaction: Other medications may interact with nitroglycerin and may increase, decrease or alter its effectiveness. Some of these medications are aspirin, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, dihydroergotamine and sildenafil. Examples of beta blockers are atenolol, carteolol, propranolol, sotalol and timolol. The medications that are calcium channel blockers are amlodipine, diltiazern, felodipine, isradipine, nifedipine and verapamil.
Overdose: Some of the symptoms of nitroglycerin overdose are throbbing headache, confusion, moderate fever, vertigo, palpitations, visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. If you suspect an overdose, get immediate medical attention.
Notes: Nitroglycerin may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid any activities that require mental alertness until you already know how your body reacts to the medicine.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as remembered. If it is however nearly time for the next one, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up your doses.
Important Note: Extended-release capsules should not be used for the treatment of acure angina attacks. Do not let anybody else take your medication.
Storage: Store the medicine at room temperature and keep away from moisture and heat. Be careful not to puncture the spray container and you should not open a container of sublingual nitroglycerin until you need a dose.
More nitroglycerin information:
Rx List provides a detailed account on nitroglycerin
