Examples
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| nitroglycerin | Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual, Nitrostat |
How It Works
Nitrates open up (dilate) the arteries to
the heart, increasing blood flow, relieving chest pain (angina), and reducing the heart's workload.
Why It Is Used
For a heart attack. Nitroglycerin may be used to treat a heart attack, because it
can help increase blood flow through the coronary arteries to the
heart.
For angina. Nitrates prevent and relieve
angina. They may be used:
- During angina attacks.
- Before
stressful activities that can cause angina (such as having sexual intercourse
or walking up stairs or a hill).
- Over the long term to prevent
angina that occurs during daily activities.
How Well It Works
During a heart attack, nitroglycerin may help blood to flow through the coronary arteries to the heart.
For angina, nitrates can quickly relieve the symptoms such as pain or discomfort.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Blurred vision.
- Severe headache that does not go away.
- Skin rash.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Headache.
- Flushing, or feeling warm, in the face and neck.
- Nausea.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Nitroglycerin can help you manage symptoms of angina. Nitroglycerin for angina is taken as a
pill or a liquid spray. Skin patches or paste are also available to prevent
angina. For more information, see:
- Using Nitroglycerin for Angina
Do not take an erection-enhancing medicine such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), or tadalafil (Cialis) if you are taking a nitrate. Combining these two drugs can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology |
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| Last Revised | April 29, 2011 |
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