Nitroglycerin may be used for the acute relief of angina (chest pain) or to prevent angina from happening during situations that are likely to provoke angina attacks. Nitroglycerin works by relaxing smooth muscle within the walls of blood vessels (particularly veins) which dilates (widens) them.
Is nitroglycerin used to treat angina?
Jun 04, 2013 · Nitroglycerin, also referred to as “nitro,” has been used with success for more than a century to treat angina. Nitroglycerin is a useful medication to help patients with CAD “reintroduce” physical activity into their lives. Nitroglycerin may alleviate the discomfort of both stable and unstable angina.
What is nitroglycerin and how does it work?
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. However, continuous delivery of nitroglycerin results in tolerance, limiting the use of this drug.
Is nitroglycerin good for patients with CAD?
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...
What are the different types of nitrates used to treat angina?
Feb 01, 2022 · Nitroglycerin is available as two types of products that are used for different reasons. The extended-release capsules are used every day on a specific schedule to prevent angina attacks. 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 …
Why is nitroglycerin used to treat angina?
It is used to treat angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure that happens when there is not enough blood flowing to the heart. To improve blood flow to the heart, nitroglycerin opens up (dilates) the arteries in the heart (coronary arteries), which improves symptoms and reduces how hard the heart has to work.
Why nitrates are effective in the management of angina pectoris?
Nitrates are effective in the management of exertional angina pectoris primarily due to their peripheral effects i.e. venodilation and arterial dilation, and thereby reduction in myocardial oxygen demand.
What's nitroglycerin used for?
Nitroglycerin is used to prevent angina (chest pain) caused by coronary artery disease. This medicine is also used to relieve an angina attack that is already occurring.Feb 1, 2022
What are the effects of nitroglycerine in patients with angina pectoris?
Nitroglycerin is a medication that treats angina and anal fissures. It works by promoting blood flow. The body breaks nitroglycerin down into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes the smooth muscle within the blood vessels to relax.
What's the best treatment for angina?
Nitrates or beta blockers are usually recommended first for people with stable angina. Calcium channel blockers are an alternative if there are side effects or other conditions that limit the use of beta blockers and nitrates.Aug 27, 2020
What is the best treatment for angina pectoris?
Nitrates are often used to treat angina. Nitrates relax and widen the blood vessels so more blood flows to the heart. The most common form of nitrate used to treat angina is nitroglycerin. The nitroglycerin pill is placed under the tongue.Mar 30, 2022
What is angina in the heart?
Angina (an-JIE-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina is also called angina pectoris. Angina pain is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest.Mar 30, 2022
How do you use nitroglycerin for chest pain?
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. ... Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.Feb 1, 2022
What causes angina?
Angina is usually caused by the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscles becoming narrowed by a build-up of fatty substances. This is called atherosclerosis. Things that can increase your risk of atherosclerosis include: an unhealthy diet.
When do you give nitroglycerin for angina?
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.Feb 1, 2022
How does nitroglycerin help heart attacks?
Nitroglycerin is in a class of medications called vasodilators. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not need to work as hard and therefore does not need as much oxygen.
Does Nitro increase heart rate?
The rise in heart rate began 1-1.5 min after administration of nitroglycerin tablets and was maximal within 3 min. The effect was more rapid with a quickly dissolving compound. The recording equipment was reliable, simple to use and inexpensive.
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.
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 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.
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 do doctors prescribe nitroglycerin?
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. That helps stop the pain.
What does it feel like to take Nitroglycerin?
Situations that make you feel worried, anxious, or angry. You may take your nitroglycerin when you first feel the symptoms of angina. It’s important to know your own body and what angina is like for you. You may have: Aching, discomfort, or pain in your chest.
Is nitroglycerin bad for you?
As with any medicine, nitroglycerin might be harmful if you don’t take it correctly. You should not take nitroglycerin if: You have taken the maximum amount of short-acting nitroglycerin prescribed by your doctor. You know your blood pressure is very low. Ask your doctor about this.
Can you take nitroglycerin with angina?
Nausea, a feeling of fullness or bloating, or gas. If you have angina, take your nitroglycerin as instructed by your doctor. This might mean you take it as soon as you feel symptoms, or you wait a minute before you take it, or you take more than one pill over several minutes.
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 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 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.
What is the drug that widens the arteries?
Nitroglycerin and related drugs, known as nitrates, widen the arteries that nourish the heart and reduce the heart's workload. Under-the-tongue (sublingual) nitro- glycerin tablets are perhaps the best-known version of this common medication.
Does nitroglycerin help with angina?
But a tiny tablet of nitroglycerin often relieves the pain within minutes.
Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris
INTRAVENOUS SOLUTION: 5 mcg/min continuous IV infusion via non-absorptive tubing; increase by 5 mcg/min every 3 to 5 minutes as needed up to 20 mcg/min, then by 10 or 20 mcg/min if needed Comments: -Starting doses of 25 mcg/min or higher have been used with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. -Lower concentrations increase potential dosing precision and volume to be delivered; consider patient fluid requirements and expected infusion duration when selecting an appropriate dilution. Use: Treatment of angina pectoris in patients who have not responded to sublingual nitroglycerin and beta-blockers. LINGUAL SPRAY: 1 to 2 sprays (0.4 to 0.8 mg) on or under tongue every 5 minutes as needed, up to 3 sprays in 15 minutes; if pain persists after maximum dose, prompt medical attention is recommended Comments: -Administer while sitting due to rapid onset. -Advise patient not to inhale or swallow this medication. Use: Acute relief of an anginal attack. SUBLINGUAL TABLET: 0.3 to 0.6 mg sublingually or in the buccal pouch every 5 minutes as needed, up to 3 doses in 15 minutes; if pain persists after maximum dose, prompt medical attention is recommended Comments: -Administer while sitting down due to rapid onset. -Advise patient not to chew or swallow this medication. Use: Acute relief of an anginal attack..
Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis
LINGUAL SPRAY: 1 to 2 sprays (0.4 to 0.8 mg) on or under tongue 5 to 10 minutes prior to activity that might precipitate an acute attack Comments: -Administer while sitting due to rapid onset. -Advise patient not to inhale or swallow this medication. SUBLINGUAL TABLET: 0.3 to 0.6 mg sublingually or in the buccal pouch 5 to 10 minutes prior to engaging in activities that might precipitate an acute attack Comments: -Administer while sitting due to rapid onset. -Advise patient not to chew or swallow this medication. TOPICAL OINTMENT: 1/2 inch (7.5 mg) topically upon rising and 1/2 inch (7.5 mg) 6 hours later; titrate as needed and tolerated Comments: -Clinical trial doses have ranged from 1/2 to 2 inches (7.5 to 30 mg) applied to 36 square inches of truncal skin. -Ointment should be applied to a dry and hairless area of the trunk. TRANSDERMAL PATCH: 0.2 to 0.4 mg/hr patch applied topically once a day for 12 to 14 hours per day; titrate as needed and tolerated up to 0.8 mg/hr Comments: -Patch should be applied to a dry and hairless area of the upper arm or body; rotate application sites to avoid skin irritation. -Doses between 0.4 and 0.8 mg/hr have shown continued effectiveness for 10 to 12 hours daily for at least 1 month of intermittent administration. EXTENDED RELEASE CAPSULE: 2.5 to 6 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day; titrate as needed and tolerated Comments: -Subjects were titrated up to 26 mg four times a day in one clinical trial..
Usual Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction
INTRAVENOUS SOLUTION: 5 mcg/min continuous IV infusion via non-absorptive tubing; increase by 5 mcg/min every 3 to 5 minutes as needed up to 20 mcg/min, then by 10 or 20 mcg/min if needed Comments: -Starting doses of 25 mcg/min or higher have been used with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. -Lower concentrations increase potential dosing precision and volume to be delivered; consider patient fluid requirements and expected infusion duration when selecting an appropriate dilution. Use: Control of congestive heart failure in the setting of acute myocardial infarction..
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension
INTRAVENOUS SOLUTION: 5 mcg/min continuous IV infusion via non-absorptive tubing; increase by 5 mcg/min every 3 to 5 minutes as needed up to 20 mcg/min, then by 10 or 20 mcg/min if needed Comments: -Starting doses of 25 mcg/min or higher have been used with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. -Lower concentrations increase potential dosing precision and volume to be delivered; consider patient fluid requirements and expected infusion duration when selecting an appropriate dilution. Uses: -Treatment of perioperative hypertension. -Induction of intraoperative hypotension..
Usual Adult Dose for Anal Fissure and Fistula
RECTAL OINTMENT: 1 inch of ointment (375 mg of ointment equivalent to 1.5 mg of nitroglycerin) intra-anally every 12 hours for up to 3 weeks Comments: -A finger covering such as plastic wrap, a disposable surgical glove, or a finger cot should be placed on the finger to apply ointment. -Insert finger no further than first finger joint and apply around side of anal canal; if unable to insert finger due to pain, apply directly to outside of anus. Use: Treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with chronic anal fissure..
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years. Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Other Comments
Administration advice: The manufacturer product information should be consulted. Storage requirements: The manufacturer product information should be consulted. Reconstitution/preparation techniques: The manufacturer product information should be consulted. IV compatibility: -IV solution: Do not add supplementary medication. Monitoring: Many cases may require invasive monitoring of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure..