What is nitroglycerin sublingual used for?
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are used to treat episodes of angina (chest pain) in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). It is also used just before activities that may cause episodes of angina in order to prevent the angina from occurring.
How many sublingual nitroglycerin can you take?
For sublingual dosage form (powder): Adults—1 or 2 packets placed under the tongue at the first sign of an angina attack. 1 packet may be used every 5 minutes as needed, for up to 15 minutes. Do not take more than 3 packets in 15 minutes.
When should you take nitroglycerin sublingual?
Take this medication by mouth as needed. Use at the first sign of an angina attack (chest pain or tightness). You can also take this medication 5 to 10 minutes before an event likely to produce chest pain. Follow the directions exactly as written on the prescription label.
How do you give sublingual nitroglycerin?
Place the tablet under the tongue or between the cheek and gum, and let it dissolve. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use chewing tobacco while a tablet is dissolving. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets usually give relief in 1 to 5 minutes.
What happens if you take nitroglycerin and don’t need it?
If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include: throbbing headache. confusion.
What is the most serious side effect of nitroglycerin?
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
Can nitroglycerin damage your heart?
One of the reasons that nitroglycerin can eventually be harmful to the heart is that it destroys an enzyme called ALDH2. This enzyme is responsible for converting nitroglycerin to nitric oxide, the compound that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow.
What medication should not be taken with nitroglycerin?
Drugs you should not use with nitroglycerin
Examples of these drugs include: Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil. Taking any of these drugs with nitroglycerin can cause very low blood pressure.
How long does sublingual nitroglycerin last?
According to a 1974 study, the shelf life of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets is 3 to 5 months1 once the original bottle is opened.
What are the side effects of nitroglycerin sublingual?
Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, flushing, and burning/tingling under the tongue may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working.
What is the most common side effect of nitroglycerin?
When should you not take nitroglycerin?
You should not take nitroglycerin if: You have taken the maximum amount of short-acting nitroglycerin prescribed by your doctor. You know your blood pressure is very low. Ask your doctor about this.