O General Information and Indications:
Nitroglycerin is used to prevent chest
pain (angina). It works by relaxing the blood vessels to the heart, so the
blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart is increased.
O Information For Users:
Nitroglycerin comes as a sublingual tablet, buccal
tablet, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, or spray to be used orally.
The buccal extended-release tablets and the extended-release tablets and
capsules are usually taken three to six times a day. Do not crush, chew, or
divide the extended-release tablets or capsules. The sublingual tablet and
spray are used as needed to relieve chest pain that has already started or
to prevent pain before activities known to provoke attacks (e.g., climbing
stairs, sexual activity, heavy exercise, or cold weather). The buccal
extended-release tablets also may be used during an attack and just before
situations known to provoke attacks. Follow the directions on your
prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions.
Take nitroglycerin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.
Nitroglycerin controls chest pain but does not cure it. Continue to use
nitroglycerin even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking nitroglycerin
without informing your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly may cause chest
pain.
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.
If you are using the buccal extended-release tablet, place the tablet
between your cheek and gum and allow it to dissolve. Do not chew or swallow
it. If you feel dizzy, sit down after placing the tablet in your mouth. Try
not to swallow saliva until the tablet dissolves. Buccal extended-release
tablets start to work within 2-3 minutes. To make the tablet dissolve
faster, touch it with your tongue before placing it in your mouth or drink a
hot liquid. If an attack occurs while you have a buccal extended-release
tablet in place, place a second tablet on the opposite side of your mouth.
If chest pain persists, use sublingual tablets, call for emergency
assistance, or go to a hospital emergency department immediately.
If you are taking nitroglycerin sublingual tablets or spray for acute chest
pain, you should carry the tablets and spray with you at all times. Sit down
when an acute attack occurs. The drug starts to work within 2 minutes and
goes on working for up to 30 minutes. If you are taking nitroglycerin
tablets and your chest pain is not relieved within 5 minutes, take another
dose. If you are using nitroglycerin spray and your chest pain is not
relieved in 3-5 minutes, repeat the process. Call for emergency assistance
or go to a hospital emergency department if pain persists after you have
taken three tablets (at 5-minute intervals) or have used three sprays (at
3-5 minute intervals) and 15 minutes have passed.
To use the tablets, place a tablet under your tongue or between your cheek
and gum and allow it to dissolve. Do not swallow the tablet. Try not to
swallow saliva too often until the tablet dissolves.
To use the spray, follow these steps:
o Do not shake the drug container. Hold it upright with the opening of the
spray mechanism as close as possible to your opened mouth.
o Press the spray mechanism with your forefinger to release the spray. Spray
the drug onto or under your tongue and close your mouth immediately. Do not
inhale or swallow the spray.
O Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to nitroglycerin, 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, Isoptin); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.
45); sildenafil (Viagra); and vitamins.
o Inform your doctor if you have 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 taking nitroglycerin, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking nitroglycerin.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy or 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
taking nitroglycerin. Alcohol can make the side effects from nitroglycerin
worse.
Take nitroglycerin extended-release tablets and capsules on an empty stomach
with a full glass of water.
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 taking
nitroglycerin unless your doctor tells you to.
The tablets may cause a sweet, tingling sensation when placed under your
tongue. This sensation is not an accurate indicator of drug strength; the
absence of a tingling sensation does not mean that the drug is not working.
O
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Side effects from nitroglycerin are common.
Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
o headache
o rash
o dizziness
o upset stomach
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 NitroQuick®
o Nitrostat®
o Nitrotab®
o Nitro-Time®
o Nitro-Dur®
o Nitrogard®
o Nitroglycerin Slocaps®
o Nitrolingual® Pumpspray |
