Nitroglycerin

Common use

Nitroglycerin is used to prevent chronic chest pain caused by heart disease. It is a nitrate. And it works by relaxing blood vessels. Chest pain can occur when the heart needs more oxygen than it can get. Relaxing blood vessels allows blood to flow more easily. And in this way it reduces heart's workload and the amount of oxygen  the heart requires.

Dosage and directions

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Precautions
Before using Nitroglycerin, discuss with your doctor: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you drink alcoholic beverages; if you have a history of other heart problems (heart failure, enlarged heart, heart attack), overactive thyroid, stroke or other bleeding in the brain, or recent head injury; if you have anemia, low blood pressure, dehydration, or low blood volume

Contraindications

Do not use Nitroglycerin if you are allergic to any of the components of the medication, if you have allergy to adhesive, you have increased pressure in or severe injury to the head, you have severe anemia, you are taking aphosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects include: dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when sitting up or standing; flushing of face and neck; headache; irritation at site of patch; nausea; vomiting.
Seek medical help immediately if you have such serious side effects: allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; dry mouth; fainting; flushing; heavy sweating; irregular heartbeat; new or worsening chest pain; pale skin; pounding in the chest; rapid heartbeat; severe dizziness or headache; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; slow heartbeat; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual weakness.

Drug interactions

Nitroglycerin can interact with the following medicines: salicylates (aspirin); beta-blockers (propranolol), calcium channel blockers (diltiazem), diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), medicines for high blood pressure, phenothiazines (thioridazine), or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (sildenafil).

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Nitroglycerin Patch, use 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 use 2 doses at once.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are cold or blue skin; confusion; diarrhea; excessive sweating; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; persistent throbbing headache; seizures; trouble breathing; vision problems. Seek medical help if you overdosed the medication.

Storage

Store at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep it out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.