US Brand Name (Generic Name): Nitrostat ({Nitroglycerin})
Pharmacologic category: {Nitrates} Other medications in the same pharmacologic category: {Isosorbide mononitrate} (Imdur), {Isosorbide dinitrate} (Isordil), {Sodium nitroprusside} (Nipride)
Diseases Treated, Dosing, and Treatment Duration:
{Angina pectoris}: 0.3 – 0.6 mg sublingually or buccally every 5 minutes as needed for chest pain; maximum dose of 3 doses in 15 minutes. May also be given as a transdermal patch or topical ointment.
{Acute myocardial infarction}: 5 – 10 mcg/min intravenously, titrated to desired effect; may also be given sublingually or as a transdermal patch.
{Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction}: used in combination with other medications, such as {ACE inhibitors} or {beta blockers}, as needed for symptom relief.
{Pulmonary hypertension}: 2.5 – 9.5 mcg/kg/min intravenously, titrated to desired effect.
{Hypertension}: 0.2 – 0.6 mg sublingually or buccally every 5 minutes as needed for high blood pressure; maximum dose of 3 doses in 15 minutes. May also be given as a transdermal patch or topical ointment.
{Esophageal spasms}: 0.3 – 0.6 mg sublingually or buccally every 5 minutes as needed for chest pain; maximum dose of 3 doses in 15 minutes. May also be given as a transdermal patch or topical ointment.
Dosage Forms and Strengths:
Sublingual tablets: 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, and 0.6 mg Transdermal patch: 0.1 mg/hr, 0.2 mg/hr, 0.4 mg/hr, and 0.6 mg/hr Topical ointment: 2%
Administration Instructions:
Sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue or against the cheek until dissolved. Transdermal patches should be applied to a hairless area of skin on the upper arm or chest and replaced every 24 hours. Topical ointment should be applied to a hairless area of skin on the chest or upper arm.
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects:
{Headache} (30%) {Dizziness} (10-30%) {Hypotension} (5-10%) {Flushing} (5-10%) {Nausea and vomiting} (5-10%) {Tachycardia} (5%) {Syncope} (2-5%)
Contraindications:
Allergy to nitroglycerin or other {nitrates} Severe {anemia} Closed-angle {glaucoma} {Hypotension}
Drug to Drug Interactions:
{Erectile dysfunction drugs} (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil): may cause severe {hypotension} {Blood pressure pressure medications} (e.g. {beta blockers}, {calcium channel blockers}, {ACE inhibitors}): may cause additive {hypotensive} effects {Heparin}: may increase the risk of bleeding
Is Nitroglycerin safe to take when pregnant?
Nitroglycerin should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Consult with a healthcare provider before using this medication during pregnancy.
Is this medication safe to take when breastfeeding?
It is not known if nitroglycerin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from nitroglycerin, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Estimate price of a 30-day supply of the medication assuming the patient doesn’t have insurance and is utilizing a GoodRx coupon.
The cost of nitroglycerin can vary depending on the formulation and strength, as well as the pharmacy. Using a {GoodRx} coupon, a 30-day supply of nitroglycerin tablets can cost between $10 to $30, while a 30-day supply of nitroglycerin ointment can cost between $30 to $50.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.