Nitroglycerin (Absorbed Through The Skin)

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

Prevents chest pain (angina). This medicine is a nitrate.

Brand Name(s):

Minitran, Nitro-Dur, Nitrek
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 adhesives, or similar medicines (such as Isordil®, Sorbitrate®, or Monoket®). You should not use this medicine if you are also using Viagra®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Patch

• Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to. Most people wear the patch for only 12 to 14 hours each day.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
• Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.
• The patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.
• Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin.
• Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.

If a dose is missed:

• If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply the patch and skip the one you missed.
• Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it.
• Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate.
• 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 diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Hyzaar®, Lasix®), acetylcysteine (Mucomyst®), alteplase (Activase®), dihydroergotamine (Migranal®), anastrozole (Arimidex®), glatiramer (Copaxone®), or niacin.
• 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), an enlarged heart, or other heart problems.
• 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 you have severe pain, talk with your doctor.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• 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.
• During the time you are not wearing the patch, you may have chest pain, especially if you exercise. Discuss this with your doctor.

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
• 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:

• Skin rash where the patch is applied
• Sweating, facial flushing

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