Nitroglycerin



Minitran™; Nitrek®; Nitro-Bid®; Nitro-Dur®; Nitrolingual®; NitroQuick®; Nitrostat®; Nitro-Tab®; NitroTime®







Nitroglycerin

(nye troe GLI ser in)

U.S. Brand Names
Minitran™; Nitrek®; Nitro-Bid®; Nitro-Dur®; Nitrolingual®; NitroQuick®; Nitrostat®; Nitro-Tab®; NitroTime®
Canadian Brand Names
Gen-Nitro; Minitran™; Nitro-Dur®; Nitroglycerin Injection, USP; Nitrol®; Nitrostat™; Rho®-Nitro; Transderm-Nitro®; Trinipatch® 0.2; Trinipatch® 0.4; Trinipatch® 0.6
Mexican Brand Names
Anglix®; Cardinit®; Minitran®; Nitradisc®; Nitroderm TTS®; Nitro-Dur®
Pharmacologic Category
Vasodilator
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not use with sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. The combination may be dangerous.
  • If you have an allergy to nitroglycerin or any other part of this medicine.
  • If you have an allergy to adhesive.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Anemia, bleeding in the brain, glaucoma, or head trauma.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat chest pain or pressure.
  • This medicine is used to improve a weakened heart.
How does it work?
  • Nitroglycerin relaxes blood vessels.
How is it best taken?
  • Sublingual (under the tongue):
  • Sit down before use.
  • Sublingual tablet: Place under tongue and let dissolve.
  • Wait 5 minutes. If chest pain or pressure is still present, call 911 or arrange for a ride to the hospital. Do not drive yourself.
  • Spray:
  • Prime pump by spraying it 5 times.
  • If not used in 6 weeks prime pump by spraying it 1 time.
  • Spray on or under tongue.
  • Avoid swallowing after use.
  • Avoid rinsing mouth for 5-10 minutes after use.
  • Wait 5 minutes. If chest pain or pressure is still present, call 911 or arrange for a ride to the hospital. Do not drive yourself.
  • Oral:
  • Take oral products on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • Ointment:
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Use the applicator or dose-measuring paper to spread in a thin layer over a 2x3 inch area. Apply to chest or back.
  • Patch:
  • Follow directions given by healthcare provider or read the package insert.
  • Apply patch at a similar time of day.
  • Apply patch to a site without hair.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • May contain conducting metal. Remove patch before MRI.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help.
  • Headache. Usually improves after taking the medicine regularly for a week.
  • Skin irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure lasting longer than 15 minutes. Call 911.
  • Increased frequency, duration, or severity of chest pain.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store sublingual tablets in original container. Once opened, replace every 6 months.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: