Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin  is rated to a nitrates class. It is widely used to avert chest pain ( angina) in patients who suffer from

coronary artery disease. By the action of this medication blood vessels relax and widen giving the chance to blood to

flow more easily to the heart. But Nitroglycerin will not help you at once after occurring of chest pain. Taking of Nitroglycerin  before doing sport or some sexual activity will not also prevent chest pain.

Indication for use

Nitroglycerin can be taken by almost all adults and teenagers over 18 who have:

·        Angina pectoris (for the relief of angina pectoris and short-term prophylaxis)

Precautions

Nitroglycerin is not recommended to use if you have: hypersensitivity to nitrates; cranial hypertension; cardiac tamponade; isolated mitral stenosis; constrictive pericarditis; uncontrolled hypovolemia; heart failure with normal or low pressure in the pulmonary artery; collapse; hemorrhagic stroke; subarachnoid hemorrhage; recent head injury; toxic pulmonary edema; idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis; angle-closure form of glaucoma with high intraocular pressure; severe anemia; hyperthyroidism; pregnancy; period of breastfeeding.

Dose and usage

Nitroglycerin: 0,5 mg – white, round, flat tablets with line in the middle; concentrate for solution – 10mg/ml ( 2 or 5 ml in ampule.

Before taking this medication consult with your attending physician.

The tablet is kept under the tongue until completely resorbed, without swallowing, immediately after the onset of pain - 0.5-1 mg per dose.

Side effects

Despite all positive characteristics, in some cases Nitroglycerin can have side effects: headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, redness of the skin, decreased blood pressure, cyanosis and orthostatic collapse. In addition, the patient may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased anxiety, blurred vision, disorientation in space and lethargy.

Disturbance of the general sense of well-being is a significant reason to be examined by a doctor.