Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin extended-release capsules are used to prevent chest pain in people with a certain heart condition.
Sublingual administration
Sublingual, from the Latin for "under the tongue", refers to the pharmacological route of administration by which substances diffuse into the blood through tissues under the tongue. Many drugs are designed for sublingual administration, including cardiovascular drugs, steroids, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics, enzymes and, increasingly, vitamins and minerals.
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.
How often can I take Nitro pills?
How Often Can You Take A Nitro Tablet? The tablet can be used every five minutes, up to fifteen minutes, for up to five days. In 15 minutes, don’t take more than three tablets. If you are planning to exercise or stress, take one tablet five to ten minutes before you do so. The use and dose of medications must be determined by your doctor for ...
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.
When to take nitroglycerin tabs?
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
When should you take nitroglycerin?
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.
What happens if you take nitroglycerin when not needed?
If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include: throbbing headache. confusion.
Should you lie down after taking nitroglycerin?
How do I use quick-acting nitroglycerin? Sit or lie down to take your nitroglycerin. If you are driving, pull over and park the car. Taking nitroglycerin can lower your blood pressure, which could cause you to pass out if you are standing up.
Should I lie down before taking sublingual nitroglycerin?
Keep this medication with you at all times. Sit or lie down when you take your medication to prevent falling if you feel dizzy or faint after using it.
Can you drink water after taking 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.
What does mild angina feel like?
Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The discomfort also can occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, abdomen or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion.
How much does nitroglycerin lower BP?
At 5 and 10 min after sublingual nitroglycerin, mean reduction of mean arterial blood pressure by 12.3 and 16.3% was achieved.
How long does nitroglycerin last in your system?
6. Response and effectiveness. Nitroglycerin acts in the body for an extremely short period (the half-life is 1 to 4 minutes), although it is metabolized to longer-lived active metabolites. However, these are less effective vasodilators than nitroglycerin.
What does it mean if Nitro helps chest pain?
Nitroglycerin helps widen the blood vessels so more blood gets to your heart muscle. That helps stop the pain.
What is the most serious side effect of nitroglycerin?
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
What is the most common side effect of nitroglycerin?
Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, flushing, and burning/tingling under the tongue may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working.
What is the fastest way to cure angina?
Typically your doctor will prescribe medication and lifestyle changes before they suggest surgery. However, if you have severe angina, you may need to undergo an angioplasty or stenting. The fastest way to treat angina is by getting rest and making lifestyle changes.
What happens if a healthy person takes nitroglycerin?
Dizziness, light-headedness, headache, and low blood pressure may occur. This may affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery. Alcohol, hot weather, and exercise may worsen these effects and result in fainting. Blurred vision may also occur.
Can nitro pills hurt you?
Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and flushing may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working.
Can you take nitroglycerin for shortness of breath?
Standard treatments for respiratory distress include oxygen, albuterol nebulization (with or without ipratropium), nitroglycerin, Lasix, morphine and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or endotracheal (ET) intubation, depending on the presumed cause of distress.
What does it mean if Nitro helps chest pain?
Nitroglycerin helps widen the blood vessels so more blood gets to your heart muscle. That helps stop the pain.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use nitroglycerin if you are allergic to it, or if you are using medicine to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), such as ri...
How Should I Take Nitroglycerin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. If you use...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Since nitroglycerin is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of nitroglycerin can be fatal.Overdose symptoms may in...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Nitroglycerin?
This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fas...
Nitroglycerin Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Se...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Nitroglycerin?
Many drugs can interact with nitroglycerin. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you...
What are the conditions that a doctor needs to know about nitroglycerin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions: anemia. head injury, recent stroke, or bleeding in the brain. liver disease. previous heart attack. an unusual or allergic reaction to nitroglycerin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
How long after taking Nitroglycerin can you eat?
Do not take more than 3 nitroglycerin tablets over 15 minutes.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth as needed. At the first sign of an angina attack (chest pain or tightness) place one tablet under your tongue. You can also take this medicine 5 to 10 minutes before an event likely to produce chest pain. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Let the tablet dissolve under the tongue. Do not swallow whole. Replace the dose if you accidentally swallow it. It will help if your mouth is not dry. Saliva around the tablet will help it to dissolve more quickly. Do not eat or drink, smoke or chew tobacco while a tablet is dissolving. If you are not better within 5 minutes after taking ONE dose of nitroglycerin, call 9-1-1 immediately to seek emergency medical care. Do not take more than 3 nitroglycerin tablets over 15 minutes.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
What is nitricoglycerin used for?
It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. This medicine is used to relieve chest pain caused by angina.
How to stop falling when taking a medicine?
Sit or lie down when you take your medicine to prevent falling if you feel dizzy or faint after using it. Try to remain calm. This will help you to feel better faster. If you feel dizzy, take several deep breaths and lie down with your feet propped up, or bend forward with your head resting between your knees.
How to store a syringe?
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Store in original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What is nitroglycerin sublingual?
Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets are indicated for the acute relief of an attack or acute prophylaxis of angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease.
How long does it take for nitroglycerin to work?
Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets may be used prophylactically 5 minutes to 10 minutes prior to engaging in activities that might precipitate an acute attack.
What is the effect of nitroglycerin on guanylate cyclase?
These events lead to dephosphorylation of myosin light chains, which regulate the contractile state in smooth muscle, and result in vasodilatation.
How to treat nitroglycerin overdose?
As hypotension associated with nitroglycerin overdose is the result of venodilatation and arterial hypovolemia, prudent therapy in this situation should be directed toward increase in central fluid volume. No specific antagonist to the vasodilator effects of nitroglycerin is known. Keep the patient recumbent in a shock position and comfortably warm. Passive movement of the extremities may aid venous return. Intravenous infusion of normal saline or similar fluid may also be necessary. Administer oxygen and artificial ventilation, if necessary. If methemoglobinemia is present, administration of methylene blue (1% solution), 1-2 mg per kilogram of body weight intravenously, may be required unless the patient is known to have G-6-PD deficiency. If an excessive quantity of nitroglycerin has been recently swallowed gastric lavage may be of use.
How many strengths are in nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets, USP are supplied as white, round, flat-faced tablets in three strengths: 0.3 mg (Coded with “V” on one side and “3” on the other) 0.4 mg (Coded with “V” on one side and “4” on the other) 0.6 mg (Coded with “V” on one side and “6” on the other)
What is the action of nitroglycerin?
The principal pharmacological action of nitroglycerin is relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. Although venous effects predominate, nitroglycerin produces, in a dose-related manner, dilation of both arterial and venous beds. Dilation of postcapillary vessels, including large veins, promotes peripheral pooling of blood, decreases venous return to the heart, and reduces left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (preload).
What is the chemical name for nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin, an organic nitrate, is a vasodilating agent. The chemical name for nitroglycerin is 1, 2, 3 propanetriol trinitrate and the chemical structure is:
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 is nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin is used to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain ( angina ).
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:
What are the side effects of a syringe?
flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); feeling light-headed, fainting; headache, dizziness; or. numbness, tingling, burning pain. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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 affect your test results?
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nitroglycerin.
Can nitroglycerin cause dizziness?
Use the medicine exactly as directed. Try to rest or stay seated when you take nitroglycerin (may cause dizziness or fainting).
What is sublingual nitroglycerin?
A sublingual tablet is a tablet that you dissolve under your tongue or inside your cheek. Nitroglycerin also comes as a spray, aerosol solution, transdermal patch, and ointment. In addition, it comes in an injectable form that’s only given by a healthcare professional.
How to store nitroglycerin?
Store nitroglycerin at room temperature. Keep it between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
How to take sublingual tablet?
To take the sublingual tablet, you place it under your tongue or inside your cheek and let it dissolve.
How to avoid interactions with medications?
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What to do if you have 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:
Can Nitroglycerin cause dizziness?
Nitroglycerin can cause dizziness during the first few hours after you take it. You shouldn’t drive or use machinery until you know how this medication affects you. This drug can also cause other side effects.
Can nitroglycerin cause allergic reactions?
Allergic reactions to nitroglycerin are extremely rare, but they do occur. Symptoms can include:
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 do doctors use nitroglycerin?
Uses. Doctors usually use nitroglycerin to treat the pain that angina causes. Narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart with blood is what causes unstable angina. Doctors call this condition coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the most common type of heart disease. More than 370,000 people.
How much nitroglycerin is in a tablet?
Generic nitroglycerin comes in the form of a sublingual tablet. The strengths of these tablets are 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, and 0.6 mg.
Why do people take nitroglycerin?
People often use the drug nitroglycerin to relieve chest pain that angina causes . 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.
What is the best medicine for angina?
Doctors usually use nitroglycerin to treat the pain associated with angina.
Where to put nitroglycerin patch?
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. The area should be clean, dry, and hairless to allow the nitroglycerin to absorb across the skin.
What are the side effects of nitroglycerin?
Severe side effects that healthcare professionals associate with a nitroglycerin overdose include: a sudden drop in blood pressure. increased heart rate. increased blood flow and pressure in the brain.
When Should You Avoid Taking Nitroglycerin?
As with any medicine, nitroglycerin might be harmful if you don’t take it correctly.
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.
Why shouldn't you take ED with nitroglycerin?
Why shouldn’t you take your ED medicine with your nitroglycerin? The reason is that both lower your blood pressure. Taken together, your blood pressure may get to a very low, and dangerous, level.
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 long before angina attack can you take nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin comes as a sublingual tablet to take under the tongue. The tablets is usually taken as needed, either 5 to 10 minutes before activities that may cause attacks of angina or at the first sign of an attack.
How to avoid falling while taking Nitroglycerin?
To avoid this problem, get up slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. Take extra precautions to avoid falling during your treatment with nitroglycerin. you should know that you may experience headaches during your treatment with nitroglycerin.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed after each use, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
What is nitroglycerin used for?
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.
How to treat angina attacks?
Talk to your doctor about how to use nitroglycerin tablets to treat angina attacks. Your doctor will probably tell you to sit down and take one dose of nitroglycerin when an attack begins.
How long after taking a syringe can you take a second?
If your symptoms do not go away completely after you take the first dose, your doctor may tell you to take a second dose after 5 minutes have passed and a third dose 5 minutes after the second dose. Call for emergency medical help right away if your chest pain has not gone away completely 5 minutes after you take the third dose. ...
Can you take Nitroglycerin on a regular basis?
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are usually taken as needed to treat episodes of angina; do not take them on a regular basis.
