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Nitroglycerin is used to treat and prevent angina (chest pain) caused by coronary artery disease. It belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. Nitroglycerin works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily to the heart. This reduces the heart's workload and helps relieve or prevent chest pain. It is commonly used in emergency situations for quick relief, as well as in regular regimens to prevent future episodes.
Nitroglycerin is available in various forms including sublingual tablets, sprays, patches, and extended-release capsules. For acute chest pain, sublingual tablets (0.3–0.6 mg) are placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Do not swallow or chew the tablet. Relief usually occurs within 1–5 minutes. If pain persists after 5 minutes, another dose may be taken—up to 3 doses within 15 minutes. Patches and extended-release forms are used daily to prevent attacks and should not be used to treat sudden chest pain. Always follow your doctor’s exact instructions.
Before using Nitroglycerin, inform your healthcare provider if you have low blood pressure, anemia, glaucoma, head trauma, or liver/kidney disease. Avoid alcohol, which may intensify dizziness and lightheadedness. Standing up too quickly may cause fainting, especially when starting treatment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you understand how Nitroglycerin affects you. For prevention, the medication should be used on a regular schedule and patches should be removed at night to avoid tolerance.
Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in individuals allergic to nitrates or with conditions causing increased intracranial pressure. It must not be used with medications for erectile dysfunction (such as sildenafil, tadalafil) due to the risk of severe hypotension. It should not be used in patients with recent head injury, or severe anemia without physician supervision.
Common side effects include headache, dizziness, flushing, or lightheadedness. These are often temporary and improve with time. More serious effects can include rapid heartbeat, fainting, blurred vision, or severe hypotension. Allergic reactions like rash, itching, or swelling are rare but require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if chest pain worsens or new symptoms occur.
Do not take Nitroglycerin with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as Viagra, Cialis) due to dangerous blood pressure drops. Inform your doctor about all medications you use, especially beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, other antihypertensives, and diuretics. Alcohol can enhance side effects such as dizziness and fainting.
If you are on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double up. For immediate-release forms used during angina attacks, this section does not apply.
Overdose symptoms include severe throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, fast heartbeat, and fainting. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help right away. Treatment includes fluid support, blood pressure stabilization, and close monitoring.
Store Nitroglycerin at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F), away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep sublingual tablets in their original glass container, tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of expired or unused medication through pharmacy take-back programs or follow local disposal guidelines.
Nitroglycerin is legally available through The Urological Institute of Northeastern New York, a certified and licensed online pharmacy offering reliable access to heart medications for angina relief and prevention across the United States.