Nitroglycerin or glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is a drugs used to reduce and prevent angina (chest pain) due to coronary heart disease. Nitroglycerin does not cure the cause of angina.
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate drug that works by dilating blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This drug is available in the form of oral tablets, sublingual tablets, and injections.
Nitroglycerin trademark: DBL Glyceryl Trinitrate Concentrate Injection, Glyceryl Trinitrate, NTG, Nitral, and Nitrokaf Retard.
What is Nitroglycerin?
| group | Nitrate |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves and prevents angina attacks in patients with coronary heart disease |
| Used by | Mature |
| Nitroglycerin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether or not it can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Oral tablets, sublingual tablets, injections. |
Warnings Before Using Nitroglycerin:
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to this drug.
- Do not use nitroglycerin if you are taking riociguat or sildelnafil
- Do not use nitroglycerin if you have or are currently having a heart attack, heart failure, head injury, severe anemia, glaucoma, or hypotension.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, thyroid disease, impaired liver function, or cardiomyopathy.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery while being treated with nitroglycerin, as this medication can cause dizziness and headaches.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are planning any surgery, including dental surgery.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using this medicine.
Dosage and Instructions for UseNitroglycerin
The dose of nitroglycerin is different for each patient. The following are nitroglycerin dosages based on the form of the drug, either for recovery or prevention:
Drinking tablets
- Angina: 2.5–6.5 mg, 3-4 times daily. Maximum dose 26 mg, 4 times a day
Sublingual tablets
- Angina: 300–600 mcg placed just under the tongue. The dose can be repeated every 5 minutes, a maximum of 3 times consumption. If after 15 minutes the angina does not subside, go to the hospital immediately.
Oral tablets are used for the long-term purpose of preventing angina. Sublingual tablets are generally used when an angina attack occurs or to prevent angina during activities, such as exercise. Sublingual tablets have a faster effect.
Injectable nitroglycerin will be given by a doctor at the hospital. The dose will be adjusted according to the patient's condition. Injections should only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.
How to Consume Nitroglycerincorrectly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before using nitroglycerin. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
This drug is generally used when the patient is exposed to angina or some time before doing physical activity, such as exercising.
If you are taking nitroglycerin in the form of a sublingual tablet, place the medication under the tongue whole and allow it to dissolve. However, if you are given a tablet to drink, swallow it whole directly with the help of water. It is recommended to take nitroglycerin tablets at the same time every day.
Store this medication at room temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and keep out of reach of children.
Interaction of Nitroglycerin with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur if nitroglycerin is used with other medicines, including:
- Increased risk of fatal side effect hypotension, if used with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil
- Increased risk of hypotension and fatal side effects when used with riociguat
- Increased risk of methemoglobinemia when used with prilocaine
- Decreased effectiveness of the drug when used with antidepressant medicines, such as amitriptyline, desipramine, or doxepine
Side Effects and Dangers Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin has the potential to cause a number of side effects, including:
- Dizziness or headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular heartbeat
- dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Feeling floating or weak
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Great dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Pale and cold sweat
- Short breath
- Faint