Why is Nitroglycerin prescribed?

Nitroglycerin is prescribed to prevent and treat angina pectoris (suffocating chest pain). 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 (held under the tongue) or buccal (held in the cheek) tablets, or in oral spray (sprayed on or under the tongue), 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.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Nitroglycerin

If nitroglycerin is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered.

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 others), isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo, others), Isordil, as well as isosorbide dinitrate (Sorbitrate, Calan and Procardia XL, blood vessel dilators. 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.

Most important fact about Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin may cause severe low blood pressure (possibly marked by dizziness or light-headedness), 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 (less than 90 mm Hg) should use nitroglycerin with caution.

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.

The safety and effectiveness of nitroglycerin have not been established for children.

OLDER ADULTS

In general, dosages less than the above adult dosages are recommended, since the elderly may be more susceptible to low blood pressure and headaches.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Severe overdosage of nitroglycerin may result in death. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of overdose may include:
  Bluish skin, visual disturbances, vertigo, sweating, slow or fast pulse/heartbeat, seizures, rapid decrease in blood pressure, paralysis, palpitations (an abnormally rapid throbbing or fluttering of the heart), nausea, loss of appetite, irregular pulse, increased pressure within the skull, flush,ed skin headache (persistent throbbing), fever, fainting, dizziness, difficult and/or slow breathing, diarrhea (may be bloody), confusion, coma, colic, clammy skin, vomiting