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how long before nitroglycerin expires

by Lorena Padberg Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The tablets kept in small, amber, tightly capped glass bottles in a refrigerator maintain their potency for three to five months if bottles are opened once a week. After five months the unused tablets should be discarded.

What do you do if your nitroglycerin is expired?

What do you do if your nitroglycerin is expired? Dr. Mark Stern answered. Cardiology 47 years experience. Throw it out: Don't ever use old nitro; it won't work and you'll end up going to the emergency room. 6.1k views Reviewed >2 years ago. Thank. Dr. Vasu Brown agrees 1 doctor agrees.

Is it safe to take expired nitroglycerin?

Yes, absolutely. Oral nitroglycerin (NTG), a medication used for angina (chest pain), may lose its potency quickly once the bottle is opened and should never be taken after the expiration date. Similarly, insulin, used to control blood sugar in those with diabetes, may stop working after its expiration date.

How often can you take nitroglycerin pills?

The usual dose of nitroglycerin is one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed for chest pain. Larger doses may be required if the patient is having severe symptoms or if there is a delay between taking the tablet and relief from pain or other symptoms. The maximum recommended daily dose is 12 tablets.

What is the shelf life of nitroglycerin?

What is the shelf life of nitroglycerin tablets? Replace your tablets every 3 to 6 months. A nitroglycerin spray may last up to 2 years before it expires. You may get a headache when you use nitroglycerin.

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When is nitroglycerin given for diseases?

Angina: Nt g is given to people with known or suspected angina for rapid relief of chest pain resulting from inadequate circulation in the heart. If taken as p... Read More

How does nitroglycerin work?

Nitroglycerin: It dilates veins decreasing the blood return to the heart and unloading the ventricles. To a lesser extent it dilates arteries. These effects decrease... Read More

How do you take nitroglycerin?

Under tongue: Usually it is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. It can be given intravenously or by a patch placed on the skin.

What is an alternative for nitroglycerin?

Other antianginals: Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina, or pain related to lack of oxygen to heart muscle. Other medications include beta blockers, calcium channel blo... Read More

How long does it take to get a 0/250 answer?

0/250. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person).

How long does it take for a syringe to dissolve?

The effect should be within 2-3 minutes.

Can you use old Nitro?

Throw it out: Don't ever use old nitro; it won't work and you'll end up going to the emergency room.

Why shouldn't you use nitrolingual (nitroglycerin) spray to relieve angina in cases of hypothyrodism?

Spray: Hypothyroid patients often have slow heart rates and impaired vascular reactivity. If you cause venodilation with a dose of nitroglycerin in such a pa... Read More

What is nitrolingual spray?

Nitrolingual (nitroglycerin) spray: The spray form of nitroglycerine has a very rapid onset of action. It is a vasodilator so that low blood volume, fever and vasodilation, low blood pr ... Read More

Is it possible that the nitroglycerin spray affect the breathing test for alcohol?

Unsure : But no one should be drinking & driving or driving after taking nitro for chest pain.

Is nitroglycerin spray ever used for anything other than angina heart pains?

Yes: It's also effective for esophageal spasm which may accompany gastroesophageal reflux disease. In contrast to angina, which often improves with a singl... Read More

What to do if you miss a dose of nitroglycerin?

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. When used for long periods of time without a break, some people develop a physical need to continue taking Nitroglycerin Patch.

What happens if you take nitroglycerin with HCM?

If a person with HCM were to take nitroglycerin, the symptoms would worsen and the nitroglycerin could even cause a catastrophic deterioration in the person's condition".

Is it okay to use the expiration date on a heart test?

You may want to check and see if there is an expiration date. Even if the expiration date is past, there are still okay to use as the expiration date is for the packaging. Good luck. The doctor said the left heart was okay but found a narrowing in the right heart which caused coronary spasms during the test.

Can nitroglycerin be used for migraines?

I've never heard of nitroglycerin being used to treat migraine, but glad that it worked. But if it keeps on, and sorry to tell you this, but you probably should see a doctor ASAP. It could be the sign of a coming stroke, since it is sudden and very painful. I started with a sudden very different migraine than any I had ever had before. It turned out that within 3 weeks, longer than usual as a gap in time, I had a full carotid artery dissection stroke.

Can you stop taking nitroglycerin without a break?

This is known as physical DEPENDENCE. Do not suddenly stop taking Nitroglycerin Patch without your doctor's approval. Read More.

Do pesticides expire?

There should be an expiration date on the package--if its expired then I would not use it; pesticides can break down and become less effective or more toxic with time.

Can I take isosorbide before a workout?

I only take isosorbide prior to a workout, and nitro when engaged in an activity that brings on angina. I understand your doctors are suggesting taking isosorbide daily as aschemia does not always produce angina even though the heart cells are not getting sufficient blood supply. This can lead to a silent heart attack so the medication is recommended continuously whether there is angina or not and older people in general are likely to have a silent heart attack.

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 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 do you have to wait to use a second spray?

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. If you need a third spray, you must wait 5 minutes after the second spray. Use exactly the same steps you used for the first spray.

How to store extended release capsules?

Store the extended-release capsules in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

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 replace the cover of a med after using it?

Replace the cover after using the medicine.

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 long is NTG good for?

Buy more: Ntg is good for 6 months if kept in an air tight amber glass (light resistent) container. If it's opened, it's only good for 6 weeks. After that, it should be discarded and replaced with fresh ntg.

Can you use old Nitro?

Throw it out: Don't ever use old nitro; it won't work and you'll end up going to the emergency room.

3 Answers

I would recommend getting it replaced. Unless you can find a visible expiration date on the bottle somewhere, I don't think you should use it.

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How is nitroglycerin evaporation controlled?

The evaporation rate of nitroglycerin was controlled by its vapour pressure and by the matrix effect of the dosage forms. The four products showed different vapour pressures and matrix effects. In time nitroglycerin escapes from the outmost layers of the tablets; the dosage form in which the drug showed the lowest vapour pressure (the stabilized molded tablet) was found to be the most stable one. However, from the time when the drug had escaped from the outmost layers of the dosage form, the matrix effect became dominant. When nitroglycerin tablets were stored in tightly closed containers at room temperature potency loss was minimal. Even when the bottles were opened regularly this did not result in a significant loss of the drug. Measures are suggested to minimize drug evaporation.

How long does it take for NTG to dissolve?

Due to NTG tablet reformulation and greater stability, the newer tablets may take ten to 20 seconds longer to dissolve in the mouth.

How long can you keep NTG?

Long-term testing (greater than 24 months) of the tablets has demonstrated excellent physical and chemical properties when exposed to continuous daily opening and closing of the container. Testing was accomplished with exposure to recommended room temperatures and humidity.1,2 It is currently recommended that patients keep the NTG in the original glass container, tightly capped. Store the tablets at room temperature, 20 ̊ to 25 ̊ C (68 ̊ to 77 ̊ F).3,4 Patients should use the tablets until the labeled expiration date is reached. The original NTG container should be used and tightly resealed after each use. Tablets are expected to retain full- labeled potency when stored under recommended conditions, even with frequent opening.1,2

How long does spray last after opening?

Protocol here is if we use Spray, its a single pt use only. If tablets are broke open and used, we date it for 30 days from opened. After 30 days its expired.

Does NTG cause burning?

A burning or tingling sensation sometimes occurs following sublingual dosing. The stabilized formulation of NTG may be less likely

Do you have to look at the manufacturer of a drug?

With any drug, you have to look at the recommendations from the manufacturer of the specific brand drug you are using. The same drug can have different recommendations from different manufacturers.

Is nitroglycerin a stabilized tablet?

We told them to frequently replace opened bottles (usually every six months). Is this information correct today? No, this is NOT true today. NTG tablets have been reformulated to a stabilized formulation. These are compressed tablets; the old tablets were molded. Expiration date from the time of manufacture is 24 months.

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1.What is the shelf life of nitroglycerin tablets? - Drugs.com

Url:https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/what-is-the-shelf-life-of-the-nitroglycerin-96482/

23 hours ago  · According to a 1974 study, the shelf life of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets is 3 to 5 months 1 once the original bottle is opened. This was at a time when nitroglycerin tablets were …

2.Expired nitroglycerin | Answers from Doctors | HealthTap

Url:https://www.healthtap.com/q/expired-nitroglycerin/

16 hours ago Dr. Bennett Werner answered. Cardiology 45 years experience. Buy more: Ntg is good for 6 months if kept in an air tight amber glass (light resistent) container. If it's opened, it's only good …

3.Nitroglycerin spray expiration | Answers from Doctors

Url:https://www.healthtap.com/q/nitroglycerin-spray-expiration/

28 hours ago  · Replace your tablets every 3 to 6 months. A nitroglycerin spray may last up to 2 years before it expires. You may get a headache when you use nitroglycerin. How long does a …

4.nitroglycerin expiration - MedHelp

Url:https://healthquestions.medhelp.org/nitroglycerin-expiration

10 hours ago Expired nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin topical ointment. Overdose of nitroglycerin. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Talk to a doctor now . 24/7 visits …

5.Nitroglycerin (Oral Route, Sublingual Route) Proper Use

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/nitroglycerin-oral-route-sublingual-route/proper-use/drg-20072863

18 hours ago Read More. 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 …

6.What do you do if your nitroglycerin is expired? - HealthTap

Url:https://www.healthtap.com/questions/17165-what-do-you-do-if-your-nitroglycerin-is-expired/

17 hours ago  · Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets usually give relief in 1 to 5 minutes. However, if the pain is not relieved, you may use a second tablet 5 minutes after you take the first tablet. If the …

7.Nitroglycerin - I've had a bottle UNopened since 2000 …

Url:https://www.drugs.com/answers/nitroglycerin-ive-had-a-bottle-unopened-since-148640.html

26 hours ago  · Do not open your sublingual nitroglycerin until you need a dose. Replace your tablets every 3 to 6 months. A nitroglycerin spray may last up to 2 years before it expires. You …

8.Nitro Expiration After Opening Bottle? | EMTLIFE

Url:https://emtlife.com/threads/nitro-expiration-after-opening-bottle.41122/

6 hours ago  · Dr. Bennett Werner answered. Cardiology 45 years experience. Buy more: Ntg is good for 6 months if kept in an air tight amber glass (light resistent) container. If it's opened, …

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