
When not to administer nitroglycerin?
Like all vasodilators, nitrates are contraindicated in the setting of hypotension, as well as in LV outflow tract obstruction, and in AHF mimics (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) where vasodilation is unlikely to provide a benefit.
When should you take nitroglycerin?
It can help in the following circumstances:
- Brisk walking
- Cold, windy weather
- Exertion
- After a heavy meal
- Working under the pressure of a deadline
- Speaking in public
- During sexual intercourse
- During worry, tension or anger
What happens if you take nitroglycerin and don't need it?
Taking nitroglycerin when not needed can lead to severe headaches for one. It also could lead to an unsafe drop in blood pressure and can cause tachycardia which is a rapid heart rate, palpitations and fainting. He should probably be tapered down off the medication if he has been on more than a few weeks.
What is the normal dose of nitroglycerin?
For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules): Adults—2.5 to 6.5 milligrams (mg) 3 to 4 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For sublingual dosage form (powder):

What is nitroglycerin used to treat?
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are used to treat episodes of angina (chest pain) in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). It is also used just before activities that may cause episodes of angina in order to prevent the angina from occurring.
Which of the following is an indication for nitroglycerin?
For EMS providers, typical nitroglycerin indications include chest pain or discomfort associated with angina pectoris or suspected acute myocardial infarction, as well as pulmonary edema with hypertension.
What heart condition is treated with nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin is a mainstay of care for heart disease. It's the go-to medicine for those suffering from bouts of chest pain, known as angina pectoris, who take it as a sublingual tablet or oral spray. And it's a standard treatment for heart attack patients, who get it also through an I.V.
When is nitroglycerin prescribed?
Doctors usually prescribe nitroglycerin for angina pectoris, which often is called just "angina." It's sudden heart-related chest pain. It happens because something prevents the flow of blood to your heart muscle. Nitroglycerin helps widen the blood vessels so more blood gets to your heart muscle.
When do you give nitroglycerin to a patient?
Adults—1 tablet placed under the tongue or between the cheek and gum at the first sign of an angina attack. 1 tablet may be used every 5 minutes as needed, for up to 15 minutes. Do not take more than 3 tablets in 15 minutes. To prevent angina from exercise or stress, use 1 tablet 5 to 10 minutes before the activity.
Does Nitro relieve chest pain?
Nitroglycerin dilates veins, relieving chest pain and lowering blood pressure. It has a very short duration of action and may not be suitable for some people.
Why is nitroglycerin used for myocardial infarction?
Nitroglycerin remains a first-line treatment for angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction. Nitroglycerin achieves its benefit by giving rise to nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the myocardium.
Does Nitro lower heart rate?
Clinical monitoring. This drug may lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor may check your blood pressure and heart rate before and during your treatment. They may also ask you to check your blood pressure and heart rate at home.
What is GTN used for?
GTN remains the treatment of choice for relieving angina; other organic esters and inorganic nitrates are also used, but the rapid action of GTN and its established efficacy make it the mainstay of angina pectoris relief.4. ALDH2 in nitroglycerin bioactivation.
What is GTN bioactivation?
GTN bioactivation in vascular smooth muscle is required to promote effective vasorelaxation treatment of angina pectoris and congestive heart failure. However, the usefulness of GTN is widely limited by the development of tolerance to the drug.
Does nitroglycerin affect cardiomyocytes?
We have recently found that, in addition to nitroglycerin’s effect on the vasculature, sustained treatment with nitroglycerin negatively affects cardiomyocyte viability following ischemia, thus resulting in increased infarct size in a myocardial infarction model in animals.
Is nitroglycerin good for myocardial infarction?
Abstract. Acute myocardial infarction and its sequelae are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nitroglycerin remains a first-line treatment for angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction. Nitroglycerin achieves its benefit by giving rise to nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the myocardium.
Does nitroglycerin increase blood flow?
Nitroglycerin achieves its benefit by giving rise to nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the myocardium. However, continuous delivery of nitroglycerin results in tolerance, limiting the use of this drug.
Why does nitroglycerin decrease blood flow?
Most often, the reason for the decrease in blood flow is plaque formation and narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Nitroglycerin helps to open up the blood vessels and allow blood to flow. People also use nitroglycerin to treat chronic anal fissures.
How often can you use nitroglycerin?
A person can apply nitroglycerin ointment to the skin twice a day. People can apply nitroglycerin ointment to their skin using a dose-measuring applicator that comes with the tube. A person will measure the desired dose onto the measuring applicator and then place the applicator ointment side down on the skin.
How much nitroglycerin should I take per hour?
Patch. Nitroglycerin patches come in doses ranging from 0.1 milligrams per hour (mg/hr) to 0.8 mg/hr. A person places the patch on their skin anywhere except the areas below the knee and elbow. Most people place the patch on their chest.
How long before an activity can you take nitroglycerin?
People can also take fast-acting nitroglycerin formulations 5 to 10 minutes before doing an activity that may cause an angina attack.
Why does my chest hurt when I take nitroglycerin?
Most often, the reason for the decrease in blood flow is plaque formation and narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the heart .
What is the process of breaking down nitroglycerin?
The body breaks nitroglycerin down into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes the smooth muscle within the blood vessels to relax. This allows the arteries and veins to open up, allowing more blood to flow through. Healthcare professionals call this action vasodilation.
Where to place angina pain medication?
At the first signs of angina pains, a person should place the tablet under their tongue or between the gums and the cheek. The tablet will dissolve and absorb through the tissues of the mouth.
When did nitroglycerin come into use?
Nitroglycerin was written about as early as 1846 and came into medical use in 1878. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Who developed nitroglycerin?
Constantine Hering developed a form of nitroglycerin in 1847 and advocated for its dosing as a treatment of a number of diseases; however, its use as a specific treatment for blood pressure and chest pain was not among these. This is primarily due to his deep rooted focus in homeopathy.
How does GTN work?
GTN is useful in decreasing angina attacks, perhaps more so than reversing angina once started, by supplementing blood concentrations of NO, also called endothelium-derived relaxing factor, before the structure of NO as the responsible agent was known. This led to the development of transdermal patches of glyceryl trinitrate, providing 24-hour release. However, the effectiveness of glyceryl trinitrate is limited by development of tolerance/ tachyphylaxis within 2–3 weeks of sustained use. Continuous administration and absorption (such as provided by daily pills and especially skin patches) accelerate onset of tolerance and limit the usefulness of the agent. Thus, glyceryl trinitrate works best when used only in short-term, pulse dosing. Glyceryl trinitrate is useful for myocardial infarction (heart attack) and pulmonary edema, again working best if used quickly, within a few minutes of symptom onset, as a pulse dose. It may also be given as a sublingual or buccal dose in the form of a tablet placed under the tongue or a spray into the mouth for the treatment of an angina attack.
What is the effect of nitroglycerin on headaches?
It was known almost from the time of the first synthesis of GTN by Ascanio Sobrero in 1846 that handling and tasting of nitroglycerin could cause sudden intense headaches, which suggested a vasodilation effect (as suggested by Sobrero). Constantine Hering developed a form of nitroglycerin in 1847 and advocated for its dosing as a treatment of a number of diseases; however, its use as a specific treatment for blood pressure and chest pain was not among these. This is primarily due to his deep rooted focus in homeopathy.
How long does it take for glyceryl trinitrate to release?
This led to the development of transdermal patches of glyceryl trinitrate, providing 24-hour release. However, the effectiveness of glyceryl trinitrate is limited by development of tolerance/ tachyphylaxis within 2–3 weeks of sustained use.
What is the medication used for heart failure?
Nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin, also known as glyceryl trinitrate ( GTN ), is a medication used for heart failure, high blood pressure, anal fissures, painful periods, and to treat and prevent chest pain caused by decreased blood flow to the heart (angina) or due to the recreational use of cocaine. This includes chest pain from a heart attack.
How long did it take for a guinea pig to breathe after giving nitroglycerin
After giving (orally) several centigrams of nitroglycerin to a puppy, the animal vomited, and within 7-8 minutes, it ceased to breath. Sobrero managed to revive it, but it convulsed.
How long after nitroglycerin injection can you drive?
Do not drive yourself and call 911, if necessary. You may administer 1 or 2 sprays of Nitroglycerin oral spray at the onset of chest pain. If the pain continues after 5 minutes, a third spray may be used. You must wait 5 minutes after the first 1 or 2 sprays before using a third spray.
How long after taking Nitroglycerin can you spit?
Do not rinse or spit for 5 minutes after taking this medicine. Do not take more than 3 packets in 15 minutes. If you still have pain after you take a total of 3 packets, this is an emergency. Call 911. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or swallowed.
How to treat angina in the chest?
Then place a sublingual powder or tablet in your mouth or under your tongue. If you use the oral spray, you should spray it on or under the tongue.
How does sublingual spray work?
The oral spray, sublingual powder, and sublingual tablets work quickly to stop an angina attack that has already started or they can be used to prevent angina if you plan to exercise or expect a stressful event.
How to use a sanitizer spray?
Press the button firmly with the forefinger to release the spray 1 or 2 times onto or under the tongue. Do not inhale or breathe in the spray. Release the button and close your mouth, but do not swallow right away. Do not spit out the spray or rinse your mouth for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
How long after taking a syringe can you take a second syringe?
However, if the pain is not relieved, you may use a second tablet 5 minutes after you take the first tablet. If the pain continues for another 5 minutes , a third tablet may be used. If you still have chest pain after a total of 3 tablets, contact your doctor or go to a hospital emergency room right away.
Can you chew nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or swallowed. They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue or between the cheek and gum, and let it dissolve. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use chewing tobacco while a tablet is dissolving.
How it works
Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs called vasodilators. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Drugs you should not use with nitroglycerin
You should not take certain drugs with nitroglycerin. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in your body. Examples of these drugs include:
Interactions that can make your drugs less effective
When you take nitroglycerin with certain drugs, nitroglycerin may not work as well to treat your condition. This is because the amount of nitroglycerin in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:
Alcohol interaction
Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of very low blood pressure from this drug. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor.
Allergy warning
Allergic reactions to nitroglycerin are extremely rare, but they do occur. Symptoms can include:
Warnings for people with certain health conditions
For people with a history of heart attack or heart failure: It isn’t known if this drug will help you during a heart attack. A heart attack may cause severe, crushing pain that comes on suddenly. If you have signs of a heart attack, call 911 right away. It also isn’t known if this drug helps people with heart failure.
How long does it take for nitroglycerin to work?
You may use nitroglycerin sublingual within 5 to 10 minutes before an activity that might cause chest pain. This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests.
What are the side effects of Nitroglycerin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, sweating, pale skin; nausea, vomiting; feeling weak or light-headed; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have:
Can you take nitroglycerin on a regular schedule?
Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nitroglycerin. If you take nitroglycerin on a regular schedule to prevent angina, do not stop taking it suddenly or you could have a severe attack of angina. Keep this medicine on hand at all times.
Can you take Nitroglycerin with anemia?
Before taking this medicine. You may not be able to use nitroglycerin if you have: severe anemia (low red blood cells); increased pressure inside the skull; circulation problems or shock (pale or clammy skin, cold sweat, numbness or tingling, fast or irregular heartbeats, or feeling like you might pass out); or.
Can nitroglycerin cause headaches?
Nitroglycerin can cause severe headaches that should become less severe as you continue to use the medicine. Common side effects may include: flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); feeling light-headed, fainting; headache, dizziness; or. numbness, tingling, burning pain.
Who invented nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin was later adopted as a commercially useful explosive by Alfred Nobel, who experimented with safer ways to handle the dangerous compound after his younger brother, Emil Oskar Nobel, and several factory workers were killed in an explosion at the Nobels' armaments factory in 1864 in Heleneborg, Sweden.
How does nitroglycerin deflagrate?
Nitroglycerin and any diluents can certainly deflagrate (burn). The explosive power of nitroglycerin derives from detonation: energy from the initial decomposition causes a strong pressure wave that detonates the surrounding fuel. This is a self-sustained shock wave that propagates through the explosive medium at 30 times the speed of sound as a near-instantaneous pressure-induced decomposition of the fuel into a white-hot gas. Detonation of nitroglycerin generates gases that would occupy more than 1,200 times the original volume at ordinary room temperature and pressure. The heat liberated raises the temperature to about 5,000 °C (9,000 °F). This is entirely different from deflagration, which depends solely upon available fuel regardless of pressure or shock. The decomposition results in much higher ratio of energy to gas moles released compared to other explosives, making it one of the hottest detonating high explosives .
What is nitroglycerin explosive?
Nitroglycerin is an oily liquid that may explode when subjected to heat, shock, or flame. Alfred Nobel developed the use of nitroglycerin as a blasting explosive by mixing nitroglycerin with inert absorbents, particularly " Kieselguhr ", or diatomaceous earth. He named this explosive dynamite and patented it in 1867.
What was the name of the chemical that was used to make dynamite?
Similar mixtures, such as "dualine" (1867), "lithofracteur" (1869), and " gelignite " (1875), were formed by mixing nitroglycerin with other inert absorbents, and many combinations were tried by other companies in attempts to get around Nobel's tightly held patents for dynamite.
How hot is nitroglycerin?
Early in its history, liquid nitroglycerin was found to be " desensitized " by freezing it, at a temperature below 45 to 55 °F (7 to 13 °C) depending on its purity.
What is nitrocellulose powder used for?
Nitroglycerin has been used for over 130 years in medicine as a potent vasodilator (dilation of the vascular system) to treat heart conditions, such as angina pectoris and chronic heart failure.
Where was nitroglycerin made?
This amount required at least 336 tonnes of nitroglycerin per week (assuming no losses in production). The Royal Navy had its own factory at the Royal Navy Cordite Factory, Holton Heath, in Dorset, England. A large cordite factory was also built in Canada during World War I. The Canadian Explosives Limited cordite factory at Nobel, Ontario, was designed to produce 1,500,000 lb (680 t) of cordite per month, requiring about 286 tonnes of nitroglycerin per month.
WHAT IS Nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin is used to prevent angina attacks (oral tablets, buccal tablets) and to treat attacks once they have started (sublingual tablets, chewable tablets, spray).
Product Info
The sections below will provide you with more specific information and guidelines related to fluoxetine and its correct use. Please read them carefully.
Product Images
Below you will find images and specific information on the principal types of nitroglycerin that exist, including their respective brand name (s), strength, inscription codes and manufacturers.

Overview
Medical uses
Nitroglycerin is used for the treatment of angina, acute myocardial infarction, severe hypertension, and acute coronary artery spasms. It may be administered intravenously, as a sublingual spray, or as a patch applied to the skin.
GTN is useful in decreasing angina attacks, perhaps more so than reversing angina once started, by supplementing blood concentrations of NO, also called endothelium …
Adverse events
Glyceryl trinitrate can cause severe hypotension, reflex tachycardia, and severe headaches that necessitate analgesic intervention for pain relief, the painful nature of which can have a marked negative effect on patient compliance.
GTN also can cause severe hypotension, circulatory collapse, and death if used together with vasodilator drugs that are used for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil.
Mechanism of action
GTN is a prodrug which must be denitrated, with the nitrite anion or a related species further reduced to produce the active metabolite nitric oxide (NO). Organic nitrates that undergo these two steps within the body are called nitrovasodilators, and the denitration and reduction occur via a variety of mechanisms. The mechanism by which such nitrates produce NO is widely disputed. Some believe that organic nitrates produce NO by reacting with sulfhydryl groups, while others believe t…
History
It was known almost from the time of the first synthesis of GTN by Ascanio Sobrero in 1846 that handling and tasting of nitroglycerin could cause sudden intense headaches, which suggested a vasodilation effect (as suggested by Sobrero). Constantine Hering developed a form of nitroglycerin in 1847 and advocated for its dosing as a treatment of a number of diseases; however, its use as a specific treatment for blood pressure and chest pain was not among these…
Further reading
• Ferreira JC, Mochly-Rosen D (2012). "Nitroglycerin use in myocardial infarction patients". Circulation Journal. 76 (1): 15–21. doi:10.1253/circj.cj-11-1133. PMC 3527093. PMID 22040938.
• Lundberg JO, Weitzberg E, Gladwin MT (February 2008). "The nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway in physiology and therapeutics". Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery. 7 (2): 156–67. doi:10.1038/nrd2466. PMID 18167491. S2CID 5141850.