Nitroglycerin, Know your Medicine

What is nitroglycerin used for?
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, a medicine that opens blood vessels to improve blood flow. It is used to treat angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, that happens when there is not enough blood flowing to the heart.

How do nitrostat 0.4 mg help with heart pain?
To treat an angina attack, use Nitrostat at the first sign of chest pain. Sit quietly while the tablet is dissolving. The dose may be repeated every 5 minutes until you get relief or as directed by your doctor. Do not use more than 3 tablets in 15 minutes.

Why do you get a headache after taking nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin works in the heart arteries by opening up those arteries and allowing more blood to flow through. That's how it can be useful to relieve chest pain. As a side effect, though, that same sort of opening up of blood vessels can occur in the head and the brain, and this is what can lead to a headache.

When should I take a nitroglycerin?
Follow your doctor's instructions. The nitroglycerin sublingual tablet should be placed under your tongue and allowed to dissolve slowly. Do not chew or swallow it. You may use additional tablets every 5 minutes, but not more than 3 tablets in 15 minutes.

How do they make nitroglycerin?
Manufacturing. Nitroglycerin can be produced by acid catalyzed nitration of glycerol (glycerine). Nitroglycerine synthesis: The industrial manufacturing process often reacts glycerol with a nearly 1:1 mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid.

How do you administer nitroglycerin?
Do not drive yourself and call 911 if necessary. You may administer 1 or 2 sprays of Nitroglycerin oral spray at the onset of chest pain. If the pain continues after 5 minutes, a third spray may be used. You must wait 5 minutes after the first 1 or 2 sprays before using a third spray.

Who invented nitroglycerin?
History: The Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero first made nitroglycerin in 1847, by adding glycerol to a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. Sobrero's face was badly scarred due to an explosion in the 1840s.

Can you drink nitroglycerin?
Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are using nitroglycerin. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of low blood pressure with nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects.

How long does nitroglycerin last in your system?
The forms of nitroglycerin and other nitrates that dissolve in your mouth or are sprayed into your mouth act very fast (usually in about 2 minutes), but their effect does not last long (about 20 to 40 minutes). They should be taken when you start having chest pain or discomfort.

How many times can you take nitroglycerin?
Store nitroglycerin pills in a dark-colored (such as brown), airtight, glass container that you cannot see through. Keep the container tightly closed. Keep nitroglycerin pills and liquid spray away from heat and moisture.

Is Nitro a blood thinner?
Nitroglycerin (NTG) is not a blood thinner. NTG is a drug that quickly dilates blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries that provide blood and oxygen to the heart muscle itself.

How do sublingual drugs work?
Sublingual administration is when medication is placed under the tongue to be absorbed by the body. The word “sublingual” means “under the tongue.” Buccal administration involves placement of the drug between the gums and the cheek. These medications can come in the form of tablets, films, or sprays.

Why is sublingual nitroglycerin The ideal medication for angina?
Nitroglycerin is used to prevent angina (chest pain) caused by coronary artery disease. This medicine is also used to relieve an angina attack that is already occurring. Nitroglycerin belongs to the group of medicines called nitrates.

What is the dosage for nitroglycerin sublingual?
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are used to treat episodes of angina (chest pain) in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). It is also used just before activities that may cause episodes of angina in order to prevent the angina from occurring.

How long is nitroglycerin tablets good for?
Do not open the bottle until you need to use nitroglycerin for the first time. After it is opened, it will need to be replaced every 6 months. Remove the cotton from the bottle after opening. If it has not been opened, you may keep it until the expiration date on the bottle.

What type of drug is nitroglycerin?
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates. Other nitrates include isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, Monoket). Nitroglycerin is used in the management of angina pectoris (heart pain).

What are the side effects of nitroglycerin?
Side Effects**Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and flushing may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.**Headache is often a sign that this medication is working. ... **A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

How does nitroglycerin relieve angina pectoris?
Nitroglycerin is in a group of drugs called nitrates. Nitroglycerin dilates (widens) blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them and easier for the heart to pump. Nitroglycerin is used to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain (angina).

Do beta blockers increase cardiac output?
Beta Blockers are drugs that slow the heart rate, decrease cardiac output, lessen the force with which the heart muscle contracts and reduce blood vessel contraction. They do this by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in various parts of the body.

How do nitrates work to treat angina?
An angina pain develops if part of the heart muscle does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs. (Blood flow to heart muscle is restricted because the heart (coronary) arteries are narrowed.) Nitrates mainly work by relaxing the blood vessels in the body. This causes them to widen (dilate).

What is nitroglycerin tablets used for?
Nitroglycerin extended-release capsules are used to prevent chest pain (angina) in people with a certain heart condition (coronary artery disease). This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. Angina occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood.

What is nitroglycerin spray used for?
Preventing or relieving a sudden attack of angina (chest pain) caused by heart disease. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Nitroglycerin spray is a nitrate. It works by dilating (widening) blood vessels.

What is a nitro patch used for?
Nitroglycerin patch is a nitrate. It works by relaxing (widening) blood vessels. Chest pain occurs when the heart needs more oxygen than it can get. Relaxing blood vessels allows blood to flow more easily.

Is Angina very serious?
Angina pectoris--or simply angina--is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort usually caused by coronary artery disease. Angina is a sign that someone is at increased risk of heart attack, cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. If you get angina, you should get medical attention immediately.

Is Angina fatal?
Angina may lead to complications like stroke or heart attack. In fact, 1 in every 100 people with stable angina may go on to develop a fatal heart attack or stroke. A non-fatal heart attack or stroke may occur in 1 in 40 people with stable angina.

Is Angina life threatening?
The two main types of angina are stable angina and unstable angina. Stable angina isn't life-threatening on its own. However, it's a serious warning sign that you're at increased risk of developing a life-threatening heart attack or stroke.

***DO NOT USE ANY MEDICINE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION FROM DOCTOR, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.