O General Information and Indications:
Nitroglycerin ointment is used to
prevent chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing the blood vessels to the
heart, so the blood and oxygen supply to the heart is increased.
O Information For Users:
Nitroglycerin comes as an ointment to apply to the
skin. It usually is applied three to six times a day. Your doctor may tell
you to remove the ointment at a certain time each day. Follow the directions
on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any
questions. Use nitroglycerin ointment exactly as directed. Do not apply more
or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Nitroglycerin ointment controls chest pain but does not cure it. Continue to
use nitroglycerin ointment even if you feel well. Do not stop using
nitroglycerin ointment without informing your doctor. Stopping the drug
abruptly may cause chest pain.
Nitroglycerin ointment comes with paper with a ruled line for measuring the
dose (in inches). Squeeze the ointment onto the paper, carefully measuring
the amount specified on your prescription label. Use the paper to spread the
ointment in a thin layer on a relatively hair-free area of skin (at least 2
inches by 3 inches) such as your chest. Do not rub in the ointment. Leave
the paper on top of the ointment and hold it in place with an elastic
bandage, hosiery, or tape. Wash your hands after applying the ointment; try
not to get the ointment on your fingers.
Nitroglycerin can lose its effectiveness when used for a long time. This
effect is called tolerance. If your angina attacks happen more often, last
longer, or are more severe, call your doctor.
Nitroglycerin is also used to improve circulation in patients with Raynaud's
disease. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this
medication.
O Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to nitroglycerin ointment, tablets, or patches; isosorbide (Imdur,
Isordil, Sorbitrate); or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially aspirin; beta blockers such as
atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne,Trandate),
metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace),
and timolol (Blocadren); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc),
diltiazem (Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), isradipine (DynaCirc),
nifedipine (Procardia), and verapamil (Calan); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.
45); sildenafil (Viagra); and vitamins.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding low red blood cell counts
(anemia), glaucoma, or recent head trauma.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using nitroglycerin ointment,
call your doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or
dentist that you are using nitroglycerin ointment.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy and dizzy. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
o ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are
using nitroglycerin ointment. Alcohol can make the side effects from
nitroglycerin ointment worse.
Nitroglycerin ointment should not be used for
acute angina attacks. Continue to use nitroglycerin tablets or spray to
relieve chest pain that has already started.
If headache continues, ask your doctor if you may take acetaminophen. Your
nitroglycerin dose may need to be adjusted. Do not take aspirin or any other
medication for headache while using nitroglycerin ointment unless you doctor
tells you to.
If skin irritation continues, apply the ointment to a different area of
skin.
O
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Side effects from nitroglycerin ointment are
common. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do
not go away:
o headache
o skin irritation or rash
o dizziness
o upset stomach
o headache
o flushing
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o dry mouth
o chest pain
o fainting
O Brand Name(s):
o Deponit®
o Minitran®
o Nitrek®
o Nitro-Bid®
o Nitro-Dur®
o Nitrogard®
o Nitroglycerin Slocaps®
o Nitrolingual® Pumpspray
o NitroQuick®
o Nitrostat®
o Nitrotab®
o Nitro-Time® |
