Nitroglycerin is a medication used primarily to treat chest pain (angina) that results from coronary artery disease. When angina occurs, it means that some part of the heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen. Nitroglycerin helps widen the blood vessels, increasing oxygen supply to the heart muscle and relieving chest pain.
Nitroglycerin for Chest Pain
How Nitroglycerin Works
Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of blood vessels, leading to their dilation. This helps increase blood flow through the coronary arteries and decreases the heart’s demand for oxygen.
Dosage for Chest Pain
- Sublingual Tablets: The most common form of nitroglycerin used for immediate relief from angina.
- Dosage: Typically, a patient experiencing angina symptoms would place one 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, or 0.6 mg tablet under the tongue.
- If pain persists after 5 minutes, a second tablet can be taken. If after another 5 minutes the pain still continues, a third tablet may be taken. If chest pain is not relieved after a total of three tablets in a 15-minute period, seek emergency medical attention.
- Spray: Nitroglycerin also comes in a spray form.
- Spray once or twice under the tongue, without inhaling. Do not swallow for a few minutes after application.
Note: Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider, as individual requirements can vary.
Precautions
- Tolerance: If used frequently, the effectiveness of nitroglycerin can decrease, leading to a condition called tolerance. It’s crucial to have nitrate-free intervals to prevent this. This usually means not taking the medication overnight when the risk of angina is lower.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include headache, dizziness, flushing, and a drop in blood pressure.
- Interactions: Nitroglycerin can have dangerous interactions with certain medications, especially drugs for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).
- Storage: Store nitroglycerin in its original container and away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store in pockets or areas where it can be exposed to body heat for extended periods
