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.
