Key facts about Nitroglycerin
What dosages is Nitroglycerin available in?
Nitroglycerin is available as 0.3 mg; 0.4 mg; 0.6 mg sublingual tablet.
What is Nitroglycerin used for?
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that is used for the prevention and treatment of angina (chest pain due to tight blood vessels in the heart).
How does Nitroglycerin work?
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate. This medication causes the blood vessels in your heart to open up (dilate). This helps blood reach the heart better. More blood flow to the heart puts less stress on the heart and relieves heart-related chest pain.
How do I take Nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin is typically taken as one tablet (0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, or 0.6 mg) at the first sign of chest pain. You can take another dose every 5 minutes as needed if you aren’t getting any relief. But don’t take more than 3 tablets in a 15-minute period; get medical help if you still have chest pain.
Is it safe for me to take Nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are taking a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, such as avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, or a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator, have severe anemia, increased intracranial pressure, hypersensitivity to Nitroglycerin or to other nitrates or nitrites or any excipient, or circulatory failure and shock.
Nitroglycerin Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Nitroglycerin:
- Low blood pressure
- Headache
- Tingling or burning feeling in the mouth
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Chest pounding
Nitroglycerin Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Nitroglycerin. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Nitroglycerin
The following medications may interact with Nitroglycerin:
- Ergotamine: increased bioavailability of ergotamine. Avoid concomitant use
Who makes Nitroglycerin?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Nitroglycerin safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Nitroglycerin will harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.
