Nitroglycerin Tablet (Nitrostat)

Other Names: Nitrostat

What is nitroglycerin tablet used for?

The nitroglycerin tablet 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 tablets?

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. Place one tablet under your tongue. Let the tablet dissolve completely. (Do not crush, chew or swallow tablets.)
3. Wait 5 minutes. If your chest pain is worse or not improved , call for emergency medical help.

OR

If your chest pain has improved but is not completely gone, place another tablet under your tongueand wait 5 minutes. If the chest pain has improved but is still not fully gone, then take a third tablet.

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

Storage:

• Keep the tablets in the original container supplied by your pharmacist and keep the container tightly closed.
• Be aware of the expiry date on the tablet bottle to ensure the nitroglycerin tablets remain 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 tablets 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 tablet?

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)