General information

Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. It is used to prevent chest pain (angina) in people with a certain heart condition (coronary artery disease). Angina occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. This drug works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily to the heart.

Directions

Take Nitroglycerin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 to 4 times daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Precautions

Before taking Nitroglycerin you should talk with your doctor if you have anemia, increased intracranial pressure, low blood pressure (hypotension), dehydration, liver disease, congestive heart failure, glaucoma, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. It can increase some of the side effects.

Contraindications

You should not use Nitroglycerin if you are allergic to it, Minitran, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual, NitroMist, Nitrostat, or any of the inactive components of the medication, are taking PDE5 inhibitor, or if you have severe anemia, increased intracranial pressure. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and flushing, fever, sore throat, fast, slow, or uneven heart rate, blurred vision, dry mouth, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hives, sweating, vomiting, pale skin, redness, abdominal pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: Aspirin, Blood pressure medications, Ergot medications (Ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine, Bromocriptine), Alteplase, Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (Tadalafil, Sildenafil, Vardenafil), Rosiglitazone, antidepressants (imipramine, amitriptyline, clomipramine), beta-blockers (nadolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, propranolol), calcium channel blockers (nimodipine, verapamil, nifedipine). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are headache, confusion, fever, fast or pounding heartbeats, dizziness, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, trouble breathing, cold or clammy skin, feeling light-headed, fainting, and seizures.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.