Nitroglycerin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate. It acts by dilating blood vessels especially of heart blood vessels, which allows more blood flow through blood vessels and reduce workload of the heart to pump blood. This reduces workload causes reduced oxygen demand by the heart and helps to prevent chest pain.
Therapeutic Uses of Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin is used in the treatment of chest pain (angina) due to heart disease. It may also be used in other medical conditions that are determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Nitroglycerin
Take Nitroglycerin as your doctor tells you. Ask your doctor or other health care provider if you have any doubt about the dosing of Nitroglycerin or take it as given below:
- Place the tablet under the upper lip or between the gum and cheek and allow it to dissolve slowly over a 3 to 5 hour period or take it as directed by your doctor or other health care provider. If you are using dentures, place the tablet between the cheek and gum above the denture plate. If you touch the tablet with the tongue or drink hot liquids, it will help the tablet to dissolve faster.
- Do not chew the tablet or swallow or crush or place it under the tongue.
- During keeping of the tablet in between check and gum if you accidentally swallow it, you should replace it with another tablet unless your doctor tells you to do otherwise.
If You Miss a Dose of Nitroglycerin
If you are taking Nitroglycerin regularly and miss a dose of it, you should take it as soon as possible. If you miss for long time and it is almost time for the next dose, than skip the missed dose and continue to take it as regular schedule. Never take double dose of Nitroglycerin after missing a dose.
How to Store Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin should be stored at temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C). Store it in a light resistant tightly closed container in a dry, dark and cool place. Keep Nitroglycerin out of reach of children. Do not store it in a bathroom.
More Information About Nitroglycerin
If you do not get result after using Nitroglycerin, consult your doctor. Nitroglycerin should be taken by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Nitroglycerin
Do not use Nitroglycerin if you have any of the medical problems listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to Nitroglycerin.
- If you think you having a heart attack.
- If you are suffering from severe anemia.
- If you have increased intracranial pressure.
- If you are currently taking a phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor like sildenafil (Viagra) a medicine used frequently for impotency.
Some important points about Nitroglycerin to remember:
- Nitroglycerin may cause drowsiness and blurring of vision. While taking the medicine you should not drive or perform any risky work that requires constant attention and monitoring (alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity).
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (due to postural hypotension) can be caused by Nitroglycerin. 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.
- Do not fall asleep with a tablet of Nitroglycerin in your mouth.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: do not take Nitroglycerin during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with Nitroglycerin, you should discuss with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using it during pregnancy. It is not clear if Nitroglycerin is secreted in the breast milk and if you wish to breast feed you should discuss with your doctor about the risks to your baby if you breast feed.
- Nitroglycerin should not be used in children and it is not recommended in them as the safety and effectiveness of Nitroglycerin is not established.
- You should try to avoid tooth and gum decay for using Nitroglycerin by changing the location where you keep it to dissolve the tablets and by brushing regularly after dissolving it.
- Lab tests like blood electrolytes and blood pressure should be done to monitor the treatment and also to check for side effects.
Possible Adverse Effects of Nitroglycerin
- Most common and minor side effects of Nitroglycerin are constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea etc. If any of the common side effects become troublesome or persistent you should consult your doctor.
- Get immediate medical attention if you get any of the serious side effects of Nitroglycerin. The serious side effects of Nitroglycerin are severe allergic reactions ( manifested by skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.); agitation; fainting; fever; muscle stiffness or tremor; seizures etc.