Nitroglycerin Spray (Nitrolingual Pumpspray, Gen-Nitro Sublingual Spray, Rho-Nitro Pumpspray)

Other Names: Nitrolingual Pumpspray, Gen-Nitro Sublingual Spray, Rho-Nitro Pumpspray

What is nitroglycerin spray used for?

The nitroglycerin spray is used to relieve angina (chest pain, discomfort, pressure or burning). 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.

How do you take nitroglycerin spray?

This medication should be used at the first sign of an attack of angina.

1. Sit or lay down as soon as you feel an attack of angina coming on. This will reduce the amount of work your heart has to do.
2. Hold the container in upright position and remove plastic cover. Do not shake.
3. The container must be primed prior to first use. Pump the spray in the air and away from the face before using for the first time or if it has not been used in several weeks.
4. Spray once onto or under your tongue. Do not inhale or get it in your eyes.
5. Wait 5 minutes. If your chest pain is worse or not improved , call for emergency medical help.

OR

If your chest pain has improved, spray once again under or onto your tongue and wait 5 minutes. If the chest pian has improved but is still not fully gone, then spray again under or onto tongue.

If your chest pain is NOT fully resolved after 15 minutes, and 3 sprays of nitroglycerin, call for emergency medical help.

Storage:

• Do not use the spray near heat or open flame.
• Be aware of the expiry date on the container to ensure the nitroglycerin spray remains effective. Replace with fresh supply of medication when expiry date is past.

What special instructions do you need to know?

• It is important to carry nitroglycerin spray with you at all times.
  (We recommend keeping a second supply at home on your bedside table or wherever it can be reached easily.)
• This drug is not for routine use. It is only to be used at the onset of chest pain.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages after taking this medication.
• Keep in a safe place away from children.
• Do NOT take Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil) 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 taking nitroglycerin spray?

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

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Flushing or redness of the skin

Headaches are the most common side effect but usually do not last very long.

If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, sit or lie down until they pass. Be careful when getting up or changing positions abruptly, as you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Get up slowly. Be careful doing activities which require alertness if medication makes you dizzy or drowsy.

When should you call your doctor?

• Contact your doctor if you notice an increase in the number of angina attacks, or if you need to use nitroglycerin more frequently than usual.

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This information is designed for use in conjunction with teaching by a qualified health professional.
Prepared by: Cardiology Pharmacist's Group

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)