Nitrol
Generic name:
Pharmacist-reviewed drug information from the RxWiki encyclopedia.
Overview
Nitroglycerin is a prescription medication used to treat or prevent episodes of angina (sudden chest pain). Nitroglycerin belongs to a group of drugs called nitrates which work by relaxing (widening) blood vessels making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
This medication comes in tablet form to be dissolved under the tongue or between the cheek and gum at the first sign of chest pain. The dose may be repeated every 5 minutes until chest pain is relieved. Seek emergency medical attention if the pain persists after 3 doses.
Common side effects of nitroglycerin include headache, dizziness, and weakness.
What is it used for?
Nitroglycerin is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent angina associated with coronary artery disease (CAD).
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Warnings
Do not use nitroglycerin if you are allergic to organic nitrates.
You should not take nitroglycerin if you have the following conditions:
- very recent heart attack
- severe anemia
- increased pressure in the head
Do not take nitroglycerin with drugs for erectile dysfunction, like Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Cialis (tadalafil), or Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride), as this may lead to extreme lowering of your blood pressure.
- Do not breastfeed. It is not known if nitroglycerin will pass through your milk.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking nitroglycerin, as this can lower your blood pressure.
- Do not start any new prescription or non-prescription medicines or supplements, unless you check with your doctor first.
Side effects
Nitroglycerin may cause the following side effects:
- headache
- vertigo (a major symptom of balance disorder)
- dizziness
- weakness
- heart palpitations (unusual awareness of the heartbeat)
- low blood pressure upon rising from a seated position
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating
- paleness
- fainting
- flushing (warm or red condition of your skin)
- other skin reactions that may be severe
Nitroglycerin may cause a false test result of decreased serum cholesterol.
Tell your doctor if you are concerned about any side effects you experience. These are not all the possible side effects of nitroglycerin. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
- any medicines that are used to treat angina, heart failure, or an irregular heartbeat.
- any medicines that reduce blood pressure.
- any diuretics (water pills).
- medications to treat depression or psychiatric illness.
- ergotamine or similar drugs for migraine headaches.
- aspirin.
- the blood thinner medicine heparin.
- any medicines for erectile dysfunction.
Do not consume alcohol while taking nitroglycerin, as this can lower your blood pressure.
This is not a complete list of nitroglycerin drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known if nitroglycerin will harm your unborn baby.
Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is not known if nitroglycerin is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.
Quick facts
Nitroglycerin should be kept in the original glass container and tightly capped after each use to prevent loss of tablet potency.
Do not take nitroglycerin with drugs for erectile dysfunction, like Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Cialis (tadalafil), or Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride), as this may lead to extreme lowering of your blood pressure.
Nitroglycerin may cause a false test result of decreased serum cholesterol.
Do not consume alcohol while taking nitroglycerin, as this can lower your blood pressure.
You should sit down when taking nitroglycerin tablets and use caution when you stand up. This eliminates the possibility of falling due to lightheadedness or dizziness.
All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health.