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Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin
Pronunciation
(nye troe GLI ser in)
Brand Names
Deponit® Patch; Minitran® Patch; Nitro-Bid® I.V. Injection; Nitro-Bid® Ointment;
Nitrodisc® Patch; Nitro-Dur® Patch; Nitrogard® Buccal; Nitroglyn® Oral;
Nitrolingual® Translingual Spray; Nitrol® Ointment; Nitrong® Oral Tablet;
Nitrostat® Sublingual; Transdermal-NTG® Patch; Transderm-Nitro® Patch; Tridil®
Injection
Canadian/Mexican Brand Names
Cardinit (Mexico); Nitradisc (Mexico); Nitroderm-TTS® (Mexico)
Therapeutic Categories
Antianginal Agent; Antihypertensive Agent; Nitrate; Vasodilator; Vasodilator,
Coronary
What is this medicine used for?
- This medicine is used to prevent or reduce chest pain from the heart. This
is called angina.
- It can reduce symptoms of a weakened heart (fluid build up, shortness of
breath) when used in combination with another agent called hydralazine. When
used in this combination, it lengthens life in patients with heart failure.
How does it work?
- Nitroglycerin relaxes the pipes (veins) that take blood to the heart. This
takes some of the stress off of the heart and helps nutrients (oxygen and
others) get to the heart.
How is it best taken?
Sublingual (under the tongue):
- Sit down and place the tablet under your tongue.
- Wait 5 minutes. If chest pain or pressure is still present, put another
tablet under your tongue. If chest pain or pressure is still present after 5
minutes, place another tablet under your tongue. Call 911 or arrange for a ride
to the hospital. Do not drive yourself.
Oral:
- Take oral form on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before meals or 2 hours
after meals.
- Swallow sustained-release form whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- Take with a full glass of water unless fluids are restricted by healthcare
provider.
Ointment:
- Use the applicator or dose-measuring paper to spread in a thin layer over a
2x3 inch area. Apply to your chest or back.
- Wash your hands if you get any medicine on them.
Patch:
- Apply at a similar time each day.
- Apply to a site free of hair.
- Follow directions provided with patch.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your
regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Take tablet on an as needed basis for chest pain.
What are the precautions when taking this
medicine?
- Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
- Do not use with sildenafil (Viagra®).
The combination is dangerous and has resulted in death.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, liquor). May increase dizziness.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to
tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about
rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are the common side effects of this
medicine?
- Lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you
to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying
position. Be careful climbing stairs.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help. This usually goes away after taking
the medicine regularly for a week or so.
- Flushing.
What should I monitor?
- Check for chest pain.
- Check blood pressure periodically.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in
the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe headaches.
- If chest pain or pressure that lasts more than 15 minutes, go to the
hospital.
- Increased frequency, duration, or intensity of chest pain.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
- Store sublingual tablet in its original container. Protect from moisture.
Once opened, replace every 6 months.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including
over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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