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Nitroglycerin |
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What is Nitroglycerin and why is it prescribed? Nitroglycerin is prescribed to prevent and treat angina pectoris. This condition occurs when the coronary arteries become constricted and are not able to carry sufficient oxygen to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is thought to improve oxygen flow by relaxing the walls of arteries and veins, thus allowing them to dilate. Nitroglycerin is used in different forms. As a patch or ointment, Nitroglycerin may be applied to the skin. The patch and the ointment are for prevention of chest pain. Swallowing Nitroglycerin in capsule or tablet form also helps to prevent chest pain from occurring. In the form of sublingual or buccal tablets, or in oral spray, Nitroglycerin helps relieve chest pain that has already occurred. The spray can also prevent anginal pain. The type of Nitroglycerin you use will depend on your condition. Nitroglycerin may cause severe low blood pressure, especially if you are in an upright position or have just gotten up from sitting or lying down. You may also find your heart rate slowing and your chest pain increasing. People taking diuretic medication, or who have low systolic blood pressure should use Nitroglycerin with caution. How should you take Nitroglycerin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nitroglycerin. Since Nitroglycerin is available in many forms, it is crucial for you to follow your doctor's directions for taking the type of Nitroglycerin prescribed for you. Never interchange brands. Ideally, you should take Nitroglycerin while sitting down, especially if you feel dizzy or light-headed, so as to avoid a fall. If you miss a dose and you are using a skin patch or ointment apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your regular dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never apply two skin patches at the same time. If you are taking oral tablets or capsules take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Keep Nitroglycerin in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store Nitroglycerin it at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Avoid puncturing the spray container and keep it away from excess heat. Do not open the container of sublingual tablets until you need a dose. Close the container tightly immediately after each use. Do not put other medications, a cotton plug, or anything else in the container. Keep the sublingual tablets handy at all times. Keep the patches in the protective pouches they come in until use. Are there any Nitroglycerin side effects? Nitroglycerin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Nitroglycerin side effects may include dizziness, flushed skin (neck and face), headache, light-headedness, and worsened angina pain. Less common or rare Nitroglycerin side effects may include diarrhea, fainting, heart pounding, low blood pressure, nausea, numbness, pallor, restlessness, severe allergic reactions, skin rashes and eruptions, sweating, vertigo, vomiting, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nitroglycerin? If Nitroglycerin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Taken with many high blood pressure drugs, Nitroglycerin may cause extreme low blood pressure (dizziness, fainting, numbness). Take particular care with calcium channel blockers (such as Calan and Procardia XL), as well as isosorbide dinitrate (Sorbitrate, Isordil, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo, others), blood vessel dilators (such as Loniten), and beta-blocker medications (such as Tenormin). Nitroglycerin may also cause a severe drop in blood pressure when taken with the impotence drug Viagra. Aspirin can increase the effects of Nitroglycerin. Alcohol may interact with Nitroglycerin and cause a swift decrease in blood pressure, possibly causing dizziness and fainting. Also be alert for an interaction with dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.). Check with your doctor if you are uncertain about any combination you plan to take. Are there any special warnings about Nitroglycerin? If your vision becomes blurry or your mouth becomes dry while taking Nitroglycerin, it should be discontinued. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms develop. You may develop acute headaches if you take Nitroglycerin excessively. Also, some people may develop a tolerance to Nitroglycerin, and it may become less beneficial over time, especially if used in excess. Nitroglycerin tablets lose their effectiveness when exposed to air. If you are taking sublingual Nitroglycerin, you may notice a burning or tingling sensation. This does not necessarily mean that tablets which have been exposed to air for a long period of time are still good. Take no more than the smallest possible amount needed to relieve pain. Daily headaches may be an indicator of the drug's activity. Do not change your dose to avoid the headache, because you may reduce the drug's effectiveness at the same time. Before taking Nitroglycerin, tell your doctor if you have had a recent heart attack, head injury, or stroke; or if you have anemia, glaucoma, or heart, kidney, liver, or thyroid disease. If you use a patch, dispose of it carefully. There is enough drug left in a used patch to be harmful to children and pets. Since Nitroglycerin can cause dizziness, you should observe caution while driving, operating machinery, or performing other tasks that demand concentration. The benefits of applying Nitroglycerin to the skin of people experiencing heart attacks or congestive heart failure have not been established. If you are using Nitroglycerin for these conditions, your doctor will monitor you to prevent low blood pressure and pounding heartbeat. |
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