Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin is used for preventing chest pain caused by heart disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Nitroglycerin is a nitrate. It works by widening blood vessels in the body, which allows more blood to flow more easily through them and reduces the work the heart has to do to pump blood. This reduces the oxygen need of the heart, and helps prevent chest pain.

Do not use Nitroglycerin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Nitroglycerin;
• you suspect your are having a heart attack;
• you have increased pressure inside the head;
• you have severe anemia;
• you are currently taking a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (e.g., sildenafil), a medicine used frequently for sexual dysfunction.

• Nitroglycerin may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.
• Nitroglycerin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
• To avoid tooth and gum decay, vary location sites and brush your teeth after the tablet has completely dissolved.
• Do not fall asleep with a tablet in your mouth.
• Lab tests, including blood electrolytes and blood pressure, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Nitroglycerin is not recommended for use in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Nitroglycerin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Nitroglycerin is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Nitroglycerin, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; fainting; fever; muscle stiffness or tremor; seizures.

Nitroglycerin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.