Nitroglycerin sublingual powder

July 17, 2018

Nitroglycerin sublingual powder

What is this medicine?

NITROGLYCERIN (nye troe GLI ser in) is a type of vasodilator. It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. This medicine is used to prevent or relieve chest pain caused by angina. It is also used to prevent chest pain before activities like climbing stairs, going outdoors in cold weather, or sexual activity.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Hold the packet upright with the notch and red arrow line at the top of the packet. Tap the bottom of the packet so the powder settles at the bottom. Hold the packet at the notch and hold as close to your mouth as possible. Tear along the red arrow line. Lift up your tongue. Pour all of the powder in the packet under your tongue. Close your mouth tight right away and breathe normally through your nose. Allow the powder to dissolve before you swallow. Do not rinse your mouth or spit for 5 minutes after taking this medicine. You can repeat with 1 packet every 5 minutes for up to 3 packets. If you do not feel better after 3 packets, call 911 immediately. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

If you take this medicine often to relieve symptoms of angina, your doctor or health care professional may provide you with different instructions to manage your symptoms. If symptoms do not go away after following these instructions, call 911 immediately. Do not take more than 3 packets over 15 minutes.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • signs and symptoms of anemia like breathing problems; dizziness; unusually weak or tired

  • signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • facial flushing

  • headache

  • nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • certain medicines for erectile dysfunction like avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil

  • ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

  • riociguat

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines for blood pressure

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 5 and 40 degrees C (41 and 104 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • anemia

  • bleeding in the brain

  • head injury

  • heart disease

  • liver disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to nitroglycerin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if you feel worse.

Keep this medicine with you at all times. Sit down when you take your medicine to prevent falling if you feel dizzy or faint after using it. Try to remain calm. This will help you to feel better faster. If you feel dizzy, take several deep breaths and lie down with your feet propped up, or bend forward with your head resting between your knees.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018