Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin — Uses and Benefits

Nitroglycerin is mainly used for angina (chest pain due to heart disease) and certain heart conditions where blood flow needs to be improved quickly.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Relief of sudden angina (chest pain) attacks
• Prevention of angina before activities that may trigger it
• Long-term prevention of angina episodes (patches/tablets)
• Management of heart failure or high blood pressure during surgery (injection form, in hospital)

HOW IT WORKS

• Relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessel walls
• Widens (dilates) veins and arteries, especially in the heart
• Reduces the workload on the heart
• Improves oxygen supply to heart muscle, relieving chest pain

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not a painkiller for general body pain
• Not used for headache or migraine
• Not a treatment for heart attack once it has fully occurred without medical supervision
• Not meant for daily use without doctor's guidance, as tolerance can develop

How to Use Nitroglycerin

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Sublingual tablets/spray: place under the tongue, do not swallow, do not chew
• Sit down before taking a sublingual dose, as dizziness can occur
• Patches: apply to clean, dry, hairless skin as directed, rotate sites
• Do not stop suddenly without asking your doctor

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• For regular scheduled doses, take as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not double the dose to make up
• For emergency chest pain use, take a dose only when symptoms occur, as instructed by your doctor

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight
• Keep the container tightly closed as sublingual tablets lose strength if exposed to air
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Nitroglycerin — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Flushing of face
• Feeling of warmth

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fast heartbeat
• Low blood pressure on standing up

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Very slow or irregular heartbeat
• Severe drop in blood pressure
• Blurred vision or difficulty breathing
• Allergic reaction (swelling, rash, difficulty breathing)

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Nitroglycerin — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is prescription-only in India and should be used only under a doctor's supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to nitroglycerin or other nitrates
• Have severe anemia
• Have a head injury or bleeding in the brain
• Have very low blood pressure
• Are taking medicines for erectile dysfunction (like sildenafil) or certain pulmonary hypertension drugs

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have low blood pressure or dehydration
• Have had a recent heart attack
• Have glaucoma
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Erectile dysfunction medicines (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) — dangerous blood pressure drop
• Other blood pressure-lowering medicines
• Alcohol
• Certain medicines for pulmonary hypertension

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drive after taking this medicine?

Avoid driving until you know how the medicine affects you, as it can cause dizziness.

Why does it cause headache?

Headache happens because the medicine widens blood vessels, including those in the head; it often reduces with continued use.

Can I take it with erectile dysfunction medicines?

• No, combining these can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure and should be avoided.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.