Nitroglycerin Tablets, Capsules and Spray

Generic Name : Nitroglycerin Tablets, Capsules and Spray

TradeName : Angised, Angispan – TR, GTN Spray, Myocare, Myonit, NIG, Nitrocontin, Nitrocure, Nitroglycerine – Chill, Nitroject, Nitromint

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Nitroglycerin affects the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, thereby preventing and relieving chest pain i.e., angina pectoris.

When it is to be taken :
1. Nitroglycerin comes in the form of sublingual tablets, extended-release or long-acting tablets and capsules, and spray. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.
2. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets and nitroglycerin spray are used to relieve chest pain during attacks and to prevent pain before activities known to provoke attacks e.g., climbing stairs, sexual activity, walking uphill, and being outside in cold weather.
3. Carry the tablets and spray with you at all times. Do not use tablets that are more than 12 months old; obtain a fresh supply.
4. When an attack occurs, sit down. 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.
5. The tablets may cause a sweet, burning sensation when placed under your tongue. This burning sensation is not a reliable indicator of potency; the absence of a burning sensation does not mean that the drug is not working.
6. To use the spray, follow these steps:
(a) Do not shake the drug container. Hold it upright with the opening of the spray mechanism as close as possible to your opened mouth.
(b) Press the spray mechanism with your forefinger to release the spray.
(c) Spray the drug onto or under your tongue and close your mouth immediately. Do not inhale or swallow the spray. The drug starts to work within two minutes and goes on working for up to 30 minutes.
7. If you are taking nitroglycerin tablets and your chest pain is not relieved within five minutes, take another dose.
8. If you are using nitroglycerin spray and your chest pain is not relieved in three to five minutes, repeat the process.
9. Call for emergency assistance or go to a hospital emergency department if pain persists after you have taken three doses and 15 minutes have passed.
10. Nitroglycerin extended-release capsules and certain extended-release tablets are to be swallowed on a regular schedule to prevent angina.
11. Do not dissolve them in your mouth. They are not used to relieve chest pain during an attack because they take too long to take effect.
12. Other buccal extended-release tablets are usually used on a regular schedule, three times a day. They also may be used during an attack and just before situations known to provoke attacks e.g., climbing stairs, sexual activity, cold weather, and walking uphill. Carry them with you at all times.
13. Place a buccal extended-release tablet between your cheek and gum and allow it to dissolve. Do not chew or swallow it. Sit down immediately after placing a tablet in your mouth. Try not to swallow saliva too often until the tablet dossolves. Buccal extended-release tablets start to work within two or three minutes. To make the tablet dissolve faster, touch it with your tongue before placing it in your mouth or drink a hot liquid.
14. 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.
15. If chest pain persists, use sublingual tablets, call for emergency assistance, or go to a hospital emergency department immediately

How it should be taken :
1. Nitroglycerin comes in the form of sublingual tablets, extended-release or long-acting tablets and capsules, and spray. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understa

Special Instruction :
1. If you take nitroglycerin on a regular schedule to prevent angina and continue to have attacks, contact your doctor.
2. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly can cause chest pain. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor, and report any chest pain that you experience.
4. Nitroglycerin can lose its effectiveness over time. Contact your doctor if you no longer get relief from your prescribed dose.
5. Follow your doctor's instructions to stop smoking, lose weight, rest, and avoid situations that cause angina e.g., heavy meals, emotional upsets, strenuous exercise, and cold weather.
6. If you take nitroglycerin on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you remember and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects :
1. Headache. If it persists, ask your doctor if you may take aspirin or acetaminophen. Your nitroglycerin dose may need to be adjusted.
2. Do not take any medication for headache or change your dose without consulting your doctor.
3. Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, faintness, and fast heartbeat, especially while standing still or when in a warm place. Lie or sit down. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or if you faint.
4. Upset stomach. Contact your doctor if this problem is severe or persists. Blurred vision, dry mouth, skin rash. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take nitroglycerin, tell your doctor if you have intestinal disease or if you ever had a bad reaction to amyl nitrite, erythrityl tetranitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, or pentaerythriotol tetranitrate.
2. Before you use nitroglycerin, tel your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially high blood pressure medication, tranqulizers, and beta blockers.
3. Ask your doctor for advice about the safe use of alcoholic beverages; alcohol can make side effects from nitroglycerin worse.
4. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.
3. Avoid puncturing the spray container and keep it away from excess heat.
4. Do not open th