Nitroglycerin Patch (Nitro-Dur, Minitran, Transderm-Nitro)

Other Names: Nitro-Dur, Minitran, Transderm-Nitro

What is Nitroglycerin Patch Used For?

The Nitroglycerin patch is used to control and prevent chest pain (angina). Nitroglycerin relaxes blood vessels in the heart and the rest of your body. This increases the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart and decreases its workload. The medication contained in the patch is slowly released and absorbed through your skin into the blood stream.

How Do You Use Nitroglycerin Patches?

The patch should be applied once daily to a reasonably hair-free site. Avoid areas below the knee or elbow (extremities), skin folds, scar tissue, or burned/irritated areas. Use a different site every day.

The patch is usually put on in the morning, left on for about 12 - 14 hours and then removed some time in the evening. You must have a 10 - 12 hour period each day when the patch is off. This is because your body can develop tolerance to Nitroglycerin if it is used too many hours in the day. If this were to happen, the medication would stop being effective. Check with your doctor to find out what time of day you should apply the patch and what time you should take it off.

Several strengths of patches are available. You may need to use more than one patch to achieve the strength prescribed for you. Do NOT cut the patches or use a part patch. Do NOT re-use a patch. Store patches at room temperature. Keep new patches as well as used patches out of the reach of children and pets. Refer to the instructions in the package for applying and removing the patch.

What Special Instructions Do You Need To Know?

• The Nitroglycerin patch is meant to prevent angina from occurring. It will not relieve an attack that has already started. Your doctor may give you Nitroglycerin spray or tablets to be used if you have an angina attack.
• After you remove the patch, your skin may feel warm and appear red. This is normal, the redness will disappear in a short time. If the area appears dry, you may apply a soothing lotion. Contact your doctor if the redness or rash does not disappear within a few hours.
• You may shower or bathe with the Nitroglycerin patch on.
• Contact your doctor if your angina attacks change or become worse.
• Do NOT take Viagra (sildenafil) while using any Nitroglycerin product. Using these drugs together can result in severe lowering of blood pressure, loss of consciousness, heart attack or death.

Are There Side Effects From Using Nitroglycerin Patches?

Contact your doctor if the following symptoms persist or become bothersome:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Flushing

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)