What is nitroglycerin and when is it used?
Nitroglycerin is glycerol trinitrate. He applies to muscle relaxants and coronary vasodilators.
This drug use:
- for the prevention of angina pectoris – statewhich occurs due to decreased blood flow to the heart and is accompanied by pressure and pain;
- to stop chest pain, including if it appears due to an attack of angina that has already begun;
- to facilitate the examination of veins in the hospital, if necessary, make an IV;
- for the treatment of skin breaks around the anus – anal fissures.
History of the discovery of nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin was open in 1847 by Ascanio Sobrero. He was the first to notice a severe headache caused by getting a small amount of this substance on the tongue.
In 1949, nitroglycerin was tested on healthy volunteers, but headaches were also monitored during this trial.
This drug was first used as a medicine in 1876. William Murrell did this – he prescribed nitroglycerin against angina and hypertension.
How does nitroglycerin work?
Nitroglycerine valid as a vasodilator, which means it dilates blood vessels. This occurs due to the release of nitric oxide in the body.
Nitric oxide relaxes the smooth muscles of the vascular wall, which leads to dilation of arteries and veins. Blood flow to the heart increases, resistance in blood vessels decreases and the load on the heart decreases. This helps relieve chest pain caused by angina and improve blood flow to the heart.
The effectiveness of nitroglycerin in the treatment of angina and other diseases has been proven numerous clinical studies.
Dosage and method of use of nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, sprays, gels, and transdermal patches. The dosage and method of administration depend on the specific disease and individual characteristics of the patient.
The exact dosage of the drug must be prescribed by a doctor. For prevention pain and during an attack of tachycardia, they usually put a tablet or two under the tongue or spray it. And to treat anal fissures, it is recommended to use a gel that is applied to the skin twice a day.
That’s how it’s done accept pills prescribed by the doctor:
- Sit comfortably.
- Take a nitroglycerin tablet and place it under your tongue.
- Close your mouth so that the tablet remains under your tongue.
- Allow the tablet to dissolve slowly. Do not chew, suck, or swallow it whole.
- Rest for a while and then slowly stand up.
Do not leave the container with pills open for a long time, and do not use medicine that was opened more than eight weeks ago.
The spray is also sprayed under the tongue – after this you need to quickly close your mouth and breathe through your nose.
To the action of nitroglycerin may develop tolerance – in this case, the effectiveness of the drug will decrease, and in order for it to work, you will have to take an increased dose. To prevent this, you should maintain an interval of 10–12 hours between doses. However, if you experience chest pain that is not relieved by one dose of nitroglycerin, you can take another dose and seek emergency medical attention.
What you need to know about the medicine before you start taking it
Before taking nitroglycerin, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had: an allergy to this or any other drug; heart attack or other heart problems; low blood pressure. It is also important to warn if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
People should not take the drug:
- with severe anemia;
- increased intracranial pressure;
- problems with blood circulation;
- taking drugs based on riociguat, vericiguat, avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil.
What are the side effects of nitroglycerin?
Side effects arise not always, but in those people who encounter them, as they get used to the drug, the reaction decreases. The most common undesirable effects from taking nitroglycerin are:
- headache;
- feeling dizzy, weak, tired, or drowsy;
- feeling of nausea;
- bright redness of the face.
When to call an ambulance
Call a doctor immediately if you or another person who has taken nitroglycerin has arise the following effects:
- breathing problems that are new or worse than usual;
- your lips, tongue, face, or skin suddenly turn blue or gray;
- the heart begins to beat much faster or slower than usual;
- there is chest pain that is different from or stronger than normal angina pain;
- anaphylactic shock—the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly become swollen, the person has trouble breathing, and the skin, tongue, or lips become blue, gray, or pale;
- fainting.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Safety The use of nitroglycerin during pregnancy and lactation has not been fully studied. You should consult your doctor before taking this medication during this period.
Interaction with other drugs
There are some drugs that can affect the effect of nitroglycerin. Among them medicines:
- for erection problems, such as alprostadil, avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil;
- to prevent blood clots, such as heparin;
- from depression or other mental illnesses;
- for high blood pressure or heart problems;
- for migraines containing ergot alkaloids, or ergotamine;
- for Parkinson’s disease, such as apomorphine.
What happens if you take more than the required dose?
Symptoms Nitroglycerin overdoses may include throbbing headache, confusion, fast heartbeat, vision problems, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, sweating, clammy skin, blue lips, weak or shallow breathing, loss of movement, seizures, or fainting.
An overdose can be life-threatening, so if you think you have taken too much or are experiencing these effects, call your doctor as soon as possible.
What happens if you miss a dose of nitroglycerin
If you miss a dose of nitroglycerin but have no pain or tachycardia, just wait next appointment as scheduled and take the drug.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
More about how to help your heart ❤️