Nitroglycerin
Drug Uses
Nitroglycerin is used for preventing chest pain caused by heart disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How Taken
Use Nitroglycerin as directed by your doctor.
- Do not crush, chew, or swallow the tablet, or place it under the tongue.
- Place tablet(s) under the upper lip or between the gum and cheek and allow it to dissolve slowly over a 3 to 5 hour period or as directed by your health care provider. If you wear dentures, place the tablet between the cheek and gum above the denture plate. Touching the tablets with the tongue or drinking hot liquids will help the tablets dissolve faster.
- If you accidentally swallow a tablet, replace it with another one, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nitroglycerin.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate. It works by widening blood vessels in the body, which allows more blood to flow more easily through them and reduces the work the heart has to do to pump blood. This reduces the oxygen need of the heart, and helps prevent chest pain.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Nitroglycerin and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store Nitroglycerin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Nitroglycerin out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Warnings/Preautions
Do not use Nitroglycerin if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Nitroglycerin;
- you suspect your are having a heart attack;
- you have increased pressure inside the head;
- you have severe anemia;
- you are currently taking a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (e.g., sildenafil), a medicine used frequently for sexual dysfunction.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Important:
- Nitroglycerin may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.
- Nitroglycerin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
- To avoid tooth and gum decay, vary location sites and brush your teeth after the tablet has completely dissolved.
- Do not fall asleep with a tablet in your mouth.
- Lab tests, including blood electrolytes and blood pressure, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Nitroglycerin is not recommended for use in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Nitroglycerin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Nitroglycerin is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Nitroglycerin, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible Side Effects
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
- constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
- severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; fainting; fever; muscle stiffness or tremor; seizures.
More Information
Nitroglycerin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
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