What are the indications and contraindications for nitroglycerin?

What are the indications and contraindications for nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in patients that have reported allergic symptoms to the medication. Known history of increased intracranial pressure, severe anemia, right-sided myocardial infarction, or hypersensitivity to nitroglycerin are contraindications to nitroglycerin therapy.

What is nitroglycerin used for?

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, a medicine that opens blood vessels to improve blood flow. It is used to treat angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, that happens when there is not enough blood flowing to the heart.

What are the therapeutic actions indications and pharmacokinetics for nitroglycerin?

The principal pharmacological action of nitroglycerin is relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. Although venous effects predominate, nitroglycerin produces, in a dose-related manner, dilation of both arterial and venous beds.

When is nitroglycerin prescribed?

Doctors usually prescribe nitroglycerin for angina pectoris, which often is called just “angina.” It’s sudden heart-related chest pain. It happens because something prevents the flow of blood to your heart muscle. Nitroglycerin helps widen the blood vessels so more blood gets to your heart muscle.

What is the most common side effect of nitroglycerin?

Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and flushing may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working.

What happens if you take Nitro and you don’t need it?

It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you don’t take it at all: If you don’t take this drug at all, you may have severe chest pain.

How long does nitroglycerin last in your system?

Nitroglycerin acts in the body for an extremely short period (the half-life is 1 to 4 minutes), although it is metabolized to longer-lived active metabolites.

Is it OK to take nitroglycerin every day?

How to use Nitroglycerin. Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. It is important to take the drug at the same times each day. Do not change the dosing times unless directed by your doctor.

Can you give aspirin with nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin “Nitro” is a symptom relief medication and does not target the underlying cause of the heart attack. First Aiders should focus on helping the person take ASA over nitroglycerin, as long as there is no contraindication. Remember to ask “Are you allergic to aspirin?”

When to tell your doctor about nitroglycerin side effects?

Tell your doctor if this medication stops working well (for example, you have worsening chest pain or it occurs more often). Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and flushing may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

How are nitroglycerin capsules used to treat angina?

Nitroglycerin extended-release capsules are used to prevent chest pain ( angina) in people with a certain heart condition ( coronary artery disease ). This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. Angina occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. This drug works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so…

What are nitroglycerin extended release capsules used for?

Nitroglycerin extended-release capsules are used to prevent chest pain ( angina) in people with a certain heart condition ( coronary artery disease ). This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates.

What kind of pain is nitroglycerin used for?

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilatory drug used primarily to provide relief from anginal chest pain.  Nitroglycerin has been FDA approved since 2000 and was first sold by Pfizer under the brand name Nitrostat. It is currently FDA approved for the acute relief of an attack or acute prophylaxis of angina pectoris secondary to coronary artery disease.