Medication Information Leaflet Show
What is this medication for?Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) belongs to a class of medications called Nitrates. Nitrates are used to prevent and treat the symptoms of angina (chest pain). Angina is caused by lack of blood supply and oxygen to your heart. Nitrates work by relaxing blood vessels so that more blood and oxygen is supplied to the heart. Nitrates are used to treat angina in three ways:
How should I take/use this medication?
What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?For patients using GTN patches: If you miss a dose, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose. What precautions should I take?Inform your healthcare professional if:
What are some common side-effects of this medication?Side effects may include:
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?Do not take Sildenafil (Viagra®), Tadalafil (Cialis®), Vardenafil (Levitra®) if you are taking this medication. When Sildenafil, Tadalafil or Vardenafil is taken with Nitrates, your blood pressure can lower greatly, resulting in dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. In some cases, death has been reported when Sildenafil was taken with Nitrates. How should I store this medication?Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. Throw
away all expired medications. For GTN tablets:
How should I throw away this medication safely?Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin. Disclaimers If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information. This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information. Last updated on July 2019 This article was last reviewed on Monday, September 13, 2021 How does sublingual nitroglycerin reduce pain in angina?It is also used just before activities that may cause episodes of angina in order to prevent the angina from occurring. Nitroglycerin is in a class of medications called vasodilators. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not need to work as hard and therefore does not need as much oxygen.
When do you give nitroglycerin for angina?Adults—1 tablet placed under the tongue or between the cheek and gum at the first sign of an angina attack. 1 tablet may be used every 5 minutes as needed, for up to 15 minutes. Do not take more than 3 tablets in 15 minutes. To prevent angina from exercise or stress, use 1 tablet 5 to 10 minutes before the activity.
When a patient is experiencing angina The nurse administers nitroglycerin sublingually at what frequency?Recommendations for anti-ischemic therapy: Class I = patients with unstable angina or non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI) with ongoing ischemic discomfort should receive sublingual nitroglycerin (0.4 mg) every 5 minutes for a total of three doses.
How long is angina pain?Stable angina
Usually lasts 5 minutes; rarely more than 15 minutes. Triggered by physical activity, emotional stress, heavy meals, extreme cold or hot weather. Relieved within 5 minutes by rest, nitroglycerin or both. Pain in the chest that may spread to the jaw, neck, arms, back or other areas.
|