Nitroglycerin

Uses of Nitroglycerin

Glyceryl Trinitrate/Nitroglycerin is commonly used in the treatment of Angina, Unstable Angina, Heart Attack, Heart Failure and Anal Fissure.

How Nitroglycerin Works

Glyceryl Trinitrate/Nitroglycerin is able to relax vascular smooth muscle cells. It also reduces the sphincter tone and intra-anal pressure, relieving the pain in patients with anal fissure.

Side Effects of Nitroglycerin

Postural hypotension, Peripheral oedema, Abnormal heart rhythm, Flushing, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Weakness, Dry mouth

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Dose adjustment is needed in patients with severe kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor.

Alcohol Not Advisable

Alcohol may accentuate the hypotensive effects caused by Nitroglycerin. Thus, it is not advisable to consume alcohol during the treatment with Nitroglycerin.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Animal studies do not show reproductive toxicities but there are limited data on the use of Nitroglycerin in pregnant women. Thus, it is only advisable to be used when benefits to the mother are greater than the risk imposed on the fetus. Please consult your doctor.

Driving Not advisable

Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Nitroglycerin may cause side effects such as dizziness which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver Use With Care

Dose adjustment is needed in patients with severe liver impairment. Please consult your doctor.

Lactation Not Advisable

Excretion of Nitroglycerin is unknown in human breast milk and risk to breastfed infants cannot be excluded. Thus, it is only advisable to be used when benefits to the mother are greater than the risk imposed on the fetus. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).