What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Nitroglycerin comes as a sublingual tablet, buccal tablet, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, or spray to be used orally.
Take nitroglycerin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Follow your doctor's instructions especially about the timing of doses. The blood should be free of nitroglycerin for a certain period of time every day for the medicine to continue working.
To prevent injury, take nitroglycerin while sitting. Dizziness and fainting are possible after a dose of nitroglycerin.
The sublingual tablets or the spray should be used at the first sign of chest pain or, if directed by your doctor, 5 to 10 minutes before activity that may cause chest pain. The sublingual tablet should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve (approximately 20 to 30 seconds). Do not chew or swallow it. Use one or two sprays under, or preferably, on the tongue. The canister should be held upright and with the spray opening as close to the mouth as possible. Close your mouth after each spray. Do not inhale the spray.
If you are still having chest pain 5 minutes after taking the nitroglycerin, call 911 or your local emergency services number.
Some stinging may occur when you start using the tablets under your tongue. This side effect may disappear with time. The absence of the side effect does not mean that the tablets have stopped working. Continue to take nitroglycerin as directed by your doctor.
If you use the sublingual tablets or the spray, keep them nearby so that you can reach the medicine easily if you have an angina attack.
The sublingual tablets act faster in a moist mouth. If you have a history of dry mouth, ask your doctor about the use of chewing gum, artificial saliva products, or other methods to moisten the mouth before taking the sublingual tablets.
Take each oral dose on an empty stomach (30 minutes before or 1 to 2 hours after meals), with a full glass of water.
Swallow the extended-release forms of nitroglycerin whole. Do not crush or chew them.
Use the buccal tablets as directed. Place one tablet under your upper lip or between your cheek and gum and let it dissolve slowly over 3 to 5 hours. Do not swallow the tablet before it dissolves. If the tablet is accidentally swallowed before it dissolves, it can be replaced with a new tablet. To ensure that the tablet dissolves properly, avoid hot liquids and try not to touch the tablet with your tongue.
If you take oral or buccal nitroglycerin on a regular schedule (not if you use it as needed for angina), do not stop it suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause a severe attack of angina (chest pain).
You may develop a headache because of this medicine, but do not stop taking it. Taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), naproxen (Aleve, others), and others may alleviate the headache Ask your doctor which is best for you. This side effect may decrease as treatment with nitroglycerin continues.
Store the tablets and spray at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the sublingual tablets in the original glass container. Remove the cotton from the bottle after opening and keep the bottle tightly capped. Throw away any unused medication on the expiration date printed on the bottle.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?