Nitroglycerin (By Mouth)

Nitroglycerin (nye-troe-GLI-ser-in)

Treats or prevents angina (chest pain). This medicine is a nitrate.

Brand Name(s):

Nitrotab, Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitroquick
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin or similar medicines (such as Isordil®, Sorbitrate®, or Monoket®). You should not use this medicine if you are also using Viagra®. You should not use the sublingual tablets (under the tongue) if you have severe anemia, head injury, or recent stroke.

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Most people use this medicine for only part of the day or as needed.
• At the first sign of chest pain, sit down and get ready to use the medicine.
• To Use the Tablets: Wet the tablet with saliva and place it under your tongue or in your cheek. Let the tablet dissolve in your mouth. Do not chew it or swallow it whole.
• To Use the Spray: Pump the spray in the air before using for the first time or if it has not been used in several weeks. Open your mouth and spray the medicine onto or under your tongue. Close your mouth right away. Do not inhale the spray or get it in your eyes. Do not use the spray near heat, open flame, or while smoking.
• Use the medicine every 5 minutes until the pain is gone, for up to 15 minutes. Do not use the medicine more than 3 times in 15 minutes.
• If your pain does not go away after using the medicine 3 times within 15 minutes, THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. Call 911 or 0 (operator) for an ambulance to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke for at least 5 to 10 minutes after using this medicine.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the tablets at room temperature in the original closed glass container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the spray at room temperature, away from heat and fire. Do not break or burn the spray container.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, heparin, diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Hyzaar®), heart or blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, Adalat®, Lotrel®, Procardia®, Toprol®), phenothiazines (such as Compazine®, Phenergan®, Serentil®, Thorazine®), ergot medicines (such as Cafergot® or Wigraine®), or other nitrates (such as isosorbide).
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicine that makes your mouth dry, such as some medicines which treat depression.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have low blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), enlarged heart, or kidney disease.
• Medicines that treat chest pain sometimes cause headaches. These headaches are a sign that the medicine is working. Do not stop using the medicine or change the time you take it in order to avoid the headaches. If the pain is severe, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. You may feel lightheaded when standing, so stand up slowly.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blue lips or fingernails, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, dry mouth
• Severe or ongoing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Slow heartbeat, increased chest pain
• Throbbing, severe, or ongoing headache, confusion, low fever, or trouble seeing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.