Nitroglycerin
Information about Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin uses
Nitroglycerin is used in the treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain).
How nitroglycerin works
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate. It works by relaxing the blood vessels which decreases the oxygen demand of the heart and reduces its workload, thereby preventing/treating attacks of angina (chest pain).
Common side effects of nitroglycerin
Dizziness, Headache, Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), Allergic reaction, Fainting, Nausea, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Vomiting, Tachycardia, Weakness, Circulatory collapse, Methemoglobinemia (presence of methemoglobin in the blood), Unstable angina, Rebound hypertension
Available Medicine for Nitroglycerin
Expert advice for Nitroglycerin
- Nitroglycerin may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking Nitroglycerin as it may cause increased dizziness.
- It may cause headaches which usually go away after a few days of continued treatment. Inform your doctor if it persists.
- You may develop tolerance to Nitroglycerin with time, meaning that the same dose may be less effective next time. Follow the prescribed dosing schedule to avoid this.
- Stop taking medications (prescribed for erectile dysfunction) like sildenafil or tadalafil while on treatment with Nitroglycerin as it may cause low blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions for Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin
Q. Can I take sildenafil if I am taking Nitroglycerin?
No, you should not take sildenafil if you are taking Nitroglycerin. Taking these two medicines together can cause an excessive fall in blood pressure, which may even be life-threatening.
Q. What effect does Nitroglycerin have on blood pressure?
Nitroglycerin slightly decreases the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, but is not recommended for the treatment of high blood pressure. The drop in blood pressure may cause lightheadedness, especially when changing your position suddenly. You should avoid sudden change in your position, for eg, get up slowly if you are sitting or lying down, to minimise this side effect.
Q. Does the effect of Nitroglycerin wear off after sometime?
Yes, excessive use of Nitroglycerin may cause tolerance which means that Nitroglycerin may lose its effectiveness on you. Therefore, doctors usually prescribe the smallest dose required for effective relief of acute angina attacks. Also, it is usually prescribed in morning and afternoon doses to give nitrate-free interval. Take it strictly as per the dosing interval prescribed by your doctor to prevent tolerance and maintain the effectiveness of Nitroglycerin.